Awareness is the greatest agent for change.

Statistics

Mediums

Cyber preparedness is an array of security measures taken by organizations and individuals to protect the security of their digital infrastructure against a wide range of potential cyber threats.

According to the World Economic Forum, the sum of financial losses caused by hacks, ransomware attacks, and other incidents is expected to reach $12 trillion by the end of 2024.

73% of school students say they feel they have been bullied in their lifetime.

73%

44% say they think they have been bullied in the last 30 days.

44%

Overall 36.5% of people feel they have been cyberbullied in their lifetime.

36.5%

60% of teens say they have experienced some form of cyberbullying.

60%

70% of teens report that someone has spread Rumours about them online.

70%

87% of young people are witnessing cyberbullying online.

87%

95%

Understanding Cybersecurity vs. Cyberbullying

The Urgency of Addressing Cyberbullying

With the advent of AI and the increasing number of incidents in video games and, more recently, the Metaverse, awareness regarding cybersecurity and cyberbullying is more crucial than ever. Cyberbullying involves the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. This includes online threats and mean, aggressive, or rude texts, tweets, posts, or messages, as well as posting personal information, pictures, or videos designed to hurt or embarrass someone.

The prevalence of cyberbullying among teenagers is alarming.
Between 2018 and 2019, cyberbullying cases increased by 63.48%, from 27,248 cases to 44,548 cases. This trend continued, with a further 12% increase in 2020 , and the numbers have surged even more in 2023. This highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat cyberbullying.

The Need for Comprehensive Security Measures

In recent times, security measures have expanded to include individual precautions to protect human dignity and mental health, ensuring safe internet engagements. As we delve deeper into understanding the prevention and cure of cyberbullying, it is essential to recognise the growing importance of these measures.

How cyberbullying is impacting teenagers

36.5 %

Percentage of Teens Experienced Cyberbullying AT-LEAST ONCE IN THEIR LIFETIME

Common Platforms for Cyberbullying

ONLINE
GAMING

INSTANT
MESSAGING

15%

of teenagers report experiencing severe emotional distress as a result of cyberbullying.

These teenagers ARE at higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

By understanding these statistics, we can better grasp the extent of the issue and work towards implementing effective strategies to prevent and address cyberbullying among teenagers.

Reasons people get Cyberbullied

The main reason people get cyberbullied is because of their appearance.

61%

25%

17% said they were cyberbullied because of their race

17%

15% of people experience cyberbullying because of their sexual orientation

15%

These statistics highlight the various factors that contribute to cyberbullying, emphasizing the need for targeted educational programs and support systems to address and mitigate these issues effectively.

Let's take a look at the mediums through which cyber crimes occur

Phone call illustration

Phone Calls

Phone calls, while a common and essential form of communication, can be exploited by cybercriminals in various ways to commit cyber crimes. Below is a detailed account of how phone calls can facilitate cybercrime.

SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Social media enables cyberbullying by providing anonymity and a vast reach for bullies. Features like comments, direct messaging, and content sharing spread harmful messages quickly. The public nature of interactions and pressure to maintain an online presence intensify the impact, causing emotional distress and social isolation. The transient yet pervasive nature of online content makes it difficult to control or retract harmful material, leading to long-term psychological effects for victims.

Social media platforms illustration

AR/VR platforms illustration

AR/VR PLATFORMS

Cyberbullying on AR/VR platforms involves harassing, threatening, or humiliating users through immersive virtual environments. Bullies exploit avatars and interactive features to target victims, causing emotional distress and fear. The immersive nature intensifies the impact, making it harder for victims to escape or seek support, leading to severe psychological effects.

COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS

Cyberbullying on AR/VR platforms involves harassing, threatening, or humiliating users through immersive virtual environments. Bullies exploit avatars and interactive features to target victims, causing emotional distress and fear. The immersive nature intensifies the impact, making it harder for victims to escape or seek support, leading to severe psychological effects.

Communication platforms illustration

QUICK LINKS

Dealing with strangers online

UNDERSTANDING DIGITAL FOOTPRINT

PROTECTING YOUR PRIVACY AND ACCOUNTS

MALWARE AND VIRUS PROTECTION (ANTIVIRUS) TOOLS

Resources (2012-2024):

StopBullying.gov :Offers extensive resources on understanding and preventing bullying and cyberbullying.
Common Sense Media : Provides guidelines and educational materials for digital literacy and safety.
Cyberbullying Research Center : Offers research, resources, and strategies to combat cyberbullying.
ReachOut.com : A platform with resources and support for teens dealing with various issues, including cyberbullying.
NetSmartz : An online safety education program that provides age-appropriate resources for children and teens.