Online violence and bullying against children and youth increasing with COVID-19
While online access presents opportunities for connection and learning for children and youth, evidence shows it is also increasingly putting them at risk of online violence and bullying.
This Thursday, November 4th, is International Day against Violence and Bullying at School including Cyberbullying, a day that aims to build global momentum to prevent and address cyberbullying and other forms of online violence involving children and young people.
Raising awareness of the issue, sharing what works to address it, and mobilizing governments, experts and the educational community, all helps in tackling the problem.
With COVID-19, the lives and education of children and young people across the world have increasingly moved online and evidence shows that in various regions cyberbullying has been on the rise during the pandemic. In Europe, 44% of children who were cyberbullied before COVID-19 report it increased during lockdowns.
If you have experienced online bullying and would like support, you can contact Netsafe.
Learn more about raising awareness to prevent bullying and violence here:
What you need to know about online violence including cyberbullying
Teachers need training and support to prevent and address school bullying
Bullying rates higher for children with disabilities
New report shows countries failing to protect children against violence
UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has created resources in multiple languages on this dedicated website to raise aware and help to combat the problem of bullying and violence against children and youth, including cyberbullying.
ChildFund New Zealand's Swipe Safe
ChildFund New Zealand supporters make possible an internet safety programme, Swipe Safe, in Cao Bang, Vietnam. It aims to empower young people to make the most of the online world but also educates them on internet risks and how to keep themselves safe. Parents and teachers also receive training. The programme runs in 37 schools in Vietnam including 11 schools in ChildFund New Zealand's dedicated community in Cao Bang.
Read more here, Google gives thumbs up to ChildFund’s online child protection work
Help to protect children with ChildFund
You can help too by donating a child protection bundle.
