Soaring incidences of bullying and cyberbullying spreading across Europe, as new statistics reveal
Italy is facing a growing issue of bullying and harassment among its young population, with a significant number of 11-19 year olds experiencing distressing incidents. According to recent data, over 14% of this age group has suffered offenses and insults more than once a month, and 21% have been victims of bullying with such behaviors occurring continuously[1].
One of the most alarming aspects of this issue is the high prevalence of physical violence. As many as 34% of 11-19 year olds have experienced physical violence online in the past year, and 8% have been victims of bullying more than once a week[1]. The president of the Juvenile Court in Naples has emphasised the importance of reporting incidents of violence to ensure the safety of the victims[2].
A poignant example of this issue is the story of Francesco, a teenager who was bullied in Cagliari, Italy. Francesco was subjected to verbal abuse, with the nickname "fatty", and physical abuse[3]. However, after seeking help from home and law enforcement, the bullies were stopped.
The impact of bullying is not limited to physical harm. The data also reveals that 7.8% of 11-19 year olds have experienced online harassment more than once a month, and one in ten have been victims of exclusion with even greater frequency[1]. Interestingly, the impact of exclusion appears to be higher among girls, with rates exceeding 12% compared to 8.5% among males[1].
The data suggests that bullying and harassment may disproportionately affect female students, although exact comparative rates between males and females are not specified. In the past week, 37% of pupils aged 11-19 reported hearing comments that raised concerns about the safety of girls[1].
Despite the concerning statistics, there is no specific data in the search results regarding the frequency of bullying offenses or school exclusions due to bullying, nor detailed statistical trends over time. For a more comprehensive understanding of the issue, official Italian educational or child welfare reports would be necessary.
It is crucial to remember that both boys and girls are affected by bullying, whether physical, psychological, or online. The ongoing efforts to address this issue and ensure the safety and well-being of all young people in Italy are of paramount importance.
[1] Data sources: [Link to data source 1], [Link to data source 2] [2] [Link to article mentioning the president of the Juvenile Court in Naples] [3] [Link to article about Francesco's story]
Work on implementing comprehensive education-and-self-development programs is essential to teach young Italians about the importance of empathy, respect, and inclusivity, which could potentially reduce the prevalence of bullying. Moreover, improving lifestyle and communication skills among students could help improve relationships and foster a safer, more harmonious learning environment.
