Online Bullying: A Growing Concern for Kent's Youth

The surveys, conducted at the end of 2024, revealed that nearly a third of youngsters in Kent have experienced bullying or harassment online.

Key Findings:

• Prevalence of Online Bullying: Approximately 34% of primary school children and 29% of secondary school pupils reported being bullied or picked on online.

• Continued Use Despite Bullying: Despite facing online harassment, a significant majority (almost nine out of ten) young people continued to use the platforms where they had been targeted.

• Underreporting to Parents: Shockingly, only 46% of secondary school students and 57% of primary school pupils disclosed their experiences of online bullying to their parents or guardians. A concerning proportion (30% of secondary and 21% of primary children) did not confide in anyone about their ordeal.

Call for Action:

Matthew Scott emphasized the urgent need for dialogue about the detrimental effects of social media and smartphones on young people. He highlighted the necessity for:

• School Support: Advocating for schools to implement robust smartphone policies that mitigate the risks associated with unrestricted access to digital platforms.

• Parental Education: Educating parents about the potential risks of providing smartphones to children at a young age, emphasizing the importance of age-appropriate digital literacy and supervision.

Mr. Scott's insights underscore the critical importance of addressing online bullying as a community-wide issue requiring coordinated efforts from educators, parents, and policymakers. By fostering open conversations and implementing proactive measures, we can create safer digital environments for our youth in Kent and beyond.

This survey serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges young people face in today's digital age and the collective responsibility we bear in safeguarding their well-being both online and offline.