We are proud to announce the launch of our new national report focusing on the prevalence and emotional impact of identity-based cyberbullying on Gen Z in the US. The study, titled The State of Play Report, is now available to download and was supported by CO. by Colgate.
We asked 1,096 respondents between the ages of 16 and 24 a series of 22 questions relating to their own experiences online in regards to identity-based bullying and abuse. Respondents were asked to share their experiences of identity-based bullying as bystanders and how these experiences affected them.
Identity groups present in the study included racial or ethnic, gender, sexual, religious beliefs, perceived physical and mental ableness, physical appearance, skin tone, personal opinion, and expression of individuality.
Key findings from The State of Play Report
- 62% have been targeted with online bullying, abuse, or harassment.
- 87% have seen someone targeted with online bullying, abuse, or harassment.
- 90% have seen someone bullied online based on their physical appearance.
- 78% have seen someone bullied online for their racial or ethnic identity.
- 77% have seen someone bullied online for their gender identity.
- 74% have seen someone bullied online for their perceived physical or mental ableness.
- 74% have seen someone bullied online for expressing their individuality or identity.
- 73% have seen someone bullied, abused, or harassed online based on their skin tone.
- 78% have seen someone bullied, abused, or harassed online based on their sexual identity.
- 74% have seen someone bullied, abused, or harassed online for their religious beliefs.
- 86% have seen someone bullied, abused, or harassed online for expressing their opinion.
In addition to offering powerful insights into the realities of life online for Gen Z, The State of Play Report also contains expert advice for being a better digital citizen, best practice tips for dealing with cyberbullying as an intended target as well as a bystander, and a series of direct links to our education and support resources.
As Gen Z continues to spend more and more time online, it has never been more important for Cybersmile to deepen our understanding of the true extent and impact of identity-based bullying, harassment, and abuse. Identity-based bullying and abuse can lead to a wide range of issues that deeply affect not only the intended targets of the abuse but also larger numbers of people who have been indirectly exposed to the abusive and problematic content. In addition to helping Cybersmile understand the extent of the problem, this important State of Play report provides us with crucial insights into the emotional impact of identity-based bullying and abuse. The powerful data from this report will play a key role in the effective development of scalable and sustainable volunteer training and support resources for a wide range of identity-based bullying and abuse-related problems.
Laura Lewandowski, Chief Policy Officer, The Cybersmile Foundation
As part of our ongoing work with CO. by Colgate, we will be holding a roundtable discussion on cyberbullying to coincide with National Bullying Prevention Month featuring actress Alisha Boe and Cybersmile's resident wellbeing and parenting expert, Dr. Deborah Gilboa. The online event will focus on the prevalence and emotional impact cyberbullying has on Gen Z, as well as best practices for being a better digital citizen.
With CO., we believe in an inclusive future where everyone can express themselves freely and live their truth boldly. For every CO. by Colgate product purchased in 2021, $1 will be donated to us, for a minimum donation of $200,000 and a maximum of $300,000.
At CO. by Colgate, we envision a world where everyone can express themselves freely and that's why we're proud to partner with The Cybersmile Foundation on The State of Play Report. Founded on the values of inclusivity and authentic self-expression, CO. by Colgate believes that a smile is a powerful tool in building connections across all people and identities. Yet, we have seen how easily bias can turn into cyberbullying, and no one understands this better than the current, rising generation-Gen Z. Through The State of Play Report, our mission is to show how we can reimagine a healthier future for all – one where everyone feels confident to be who they truly are, without fear.
Dana Medema, Vice President & General Manager, Oral Care, Colgate North America
Join the Instagram Live Event at 6:00 p.m. EST today and hear from CO. by Colgate, Cybersmile, and Alisha Boe.
The State of Play Report is based on a survey conducted by Persky and fielded among 1,096 people, ages 16–24, from June 3 to June 4, 2021.