Almost half of women experience cyberbullying via social media

Almost half of all women and one third of all men claim to have experienced cyberbullying via social media direct message. 

According to new research by Kaspersky, one in five social media users globally have experienced bullying online.

The study marks Anti Bullying Week 2021 and aims to highlight the dangers of the digitally connected world. 

For instance, social media users in the UK are less likely to report bullying on social media than other countries, with 17 per cent of Brits saying they have been bullied on social media compared to the global average of 20 per cent. 

The pandemic has influenced Brit’s frequency of using of social media, with 37 per cent of Brits using social media more than they were before the pandemic, slightly higher for females compared to males, with 42 per cent and 32 per cent respectively. 

David Emm, Principal Security Researcher for Kaspersky, said: “It is worrying to see the people in the UK, especially women and young people, are being targeted with direct bullying online.”

“We have to find ways to end this epidemic of bullying, and it is vitally important that information is readily available to help people stay safe online. We are committed to providing tools that women and young people need to stay safe and ultimately have a positive experience online.”

Kaspersky has also launched its ShareAware Hub where people can find handy tips to help them enjoy social media safely.