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Online bullying affects 89% of children, survey shows

Almost nine in 10 parents say their children have been affected by cyber bullies, according to a new study by Bitdefender.

The Bitdefender study, based on interviews with a sample of 1740 parents from five countries, also revealed that 54% of the respondents’ children have been ‘very affected’ by cyber bullying, to the point of anger, violence, sadness or apathy.

Cyber bullying, defined as threatening, harassing, humiliating, embarrassing or otherwise tormenting others online, has prompted 19% of the parents interviewed to seek specialised help for their children, according to the survey results.

“The results of this study should send out a very strong message to parents – it is more vital than ever to take steps towards protecting children from cyber bullying,” said Sabina Datcu, Bitdefender e-threats analysis and communication specialist, author of the study. “Parents need to understand the necessity of installing parental control software and of monitoring their teenagers’ activity on social networks and on the Internet in general.”

More details on this survey can be found on www.Malwarecity.com

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