Every fourth child in Cyprus suffers from bullying

Every fourth child in Cyprus has reported becoming a victim of bullying in schools and online. These statistics were announced by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Hope For Children.

The research became part of the National Strategy for the Prevention and Combating of Violence in Schools (2018-2024).

According to the published data, there has been an increase in the number of incidents of bullying online over the past three years.

Furthermore, it was found that every fifth teenager is a victim solely of cyberbullying, which corresponds to European standards, and every tenth child is marginalized.

At the same time, the survey shows that 95% of teachers have witnessed violence between male and female students, over 50% of students have witnessed cases of school violence, and only 18% of students are prepared to defend themselves against hooligan attacks.

"These results underline the urgent need to take measures aimed at preventing and effectively addressing the problem of bullying and combating it," said the organization Hope For Children.

They added that the study showed that when parents or teachers discover that a child is being bullied, immediate action is necessary.

It is also noted that the NGO conducts experimental seminars on the prevention and treatment of bullying.

In cooperation with Spavo, Hope For Children manages the European Children's and Adolescents' Support Line 116111, which allows all children to call for recommendations and psychological support services free and anonymously. In addition, the NGO offers free and confidential psychological, social, legal support and counseling for children and parents, as well as distance counseling through the All-Cyprus Support Line 1466.