To mark Stop Cyberbullying Day 2017, we have released the findings of a major international survey focused on cyberbullying, online abuse, and harassment.
The report highlights the levels of bystander exposure to various types of online abuse, including racist, homophobic, and religious-based abuse online. 50,000 internet users across the US and the UK were targeted through Google Surveys with an age range of 18-65+ outside of the conventional perpetrator or victim dynamic and age demographic.
Regardless of the intended target, online abuse can be equally as damaging for bystanders as it is for the intended victims. This is not a problem just for those who are being targeted, or only young people, but also for a much wider online audience. This really highlights the prevalence of online abuse and how it affects all internet users.
Dan Raisbeck, Co-founder, The Cybersmile Foundation
Internet users in the UK and US were asked about their exposure to online toxicity. Each participant was given five questions to answer relating to religion, racism, homophobia, and harassment or bullying. The findings demonstrate the levels of toxicity people are experiencing when using the internet.
As Cybersmile's official diversity ambassador and also as somebody who has been personally affected by abuse online, I am very proud to be part of this international survey. We must always remember that abusive material such as racism, religious-based and homophobic content online hurt and affect huge numbers of people, regardless of who the actual offensive material was intended for.
Normani, Cybersmile Ambassador
The impact of online abuse in its various forms is having a wide range of repercussions on different age groups, and this study reveals the prevalence of it across the generational divide.
Notable Findings
- 61.9% of females in the UK have seen the most online abuse on Facebook.
- 54.5% of all respondents in the US have seen the most online abuse on Facebook.
- 55.1% of all respondents in the UK have seen the most online abuse on Facebook.
- 45.2% of 18-24 year olds in the US have seen racist abuse online.
- 40.6% of 18-24 year olds in the UK have seen racist abuse online.
- 39.8% of 25-34 year olds in the US have seen homophobic abuse online.
- 31.5% of 18-24 year olds in the UK have seen religion-based abuse online.
- 35.7% of 18-24 year olds in the US have seen religion-based abuse online.
We have lots of amazing surprises planned throughout today to celebrate Stop Cyberbullying Day. You can make sure you don't miss any of the activities by following our official Twitter account, @CybersmileHQ. Getting involved is easy; just use #STOPCYBERBULLYINGDAY wherever you are on the internet to show your commitment to a diverse and inclusive internet, free from threats and abuse!