Latest news with #cyberbullying
ABC News
8 hours ago
- ABC News
Distress rates from school bullying higher than COVID times, with children as young as 10 facing online and in-person abuse
Warning: This story contains discussion of suicide. School bullying has reached devastating new peaks in Australia, with figures showing rising rates of children as young as 10 expressing serious emotional distress following online and in-person abuse. Crisis counselling service Kids Helpline is sounding the alarm, with its data showing a rising proportion of calls from children aged 10 to 14 who are experiencing bullying and having thoughts of suicide. While health data indicates these thoughts very rarely translate into actions, Kids Helpline chief executive Tracy Adams said they were a key measure of mental health. "[What] we are really seeing over the last five years is significant growth in the level of distress and it's actually higher levels of distress among our younger children," she said. "The nature is now online and offline. So young people are still being physically assaulted, they're still being verbally abused. They're also being isolated and we're seeing that play out in the online environment as well." It coincides with the latest release of data from the landmark Australian Child Maltreatment study that shows more than one in four (28.7 per cent) adults reported being bullied at school, and these rates were not improving for each new generation. The new data is backed by figures from the office of the eSafety Commissioner, which show school-age cyberbullying complaints surged 456 per cent in the past five years — from 536 to 2,978 — and in 2024 nearly half of reports involved children under the age of 13. The office said it was increasingly dealing with deepfakes involving pornographic depictions of classmates or teachers that it must refer to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The AFP's Centre to Counter Child Exploitation reported a 27.7 per cent rise in reports from the commissioner relating to child image-based abuse, sextortion and cyberbullying in the two years to 2024 from adults and minors. Charlie Ford was just 10 years old when she was first bullied through school messaging apps. By the time she was 13, it had escalated to threats of physical violence, exclusion at school, and gossip being spread over social media videos. At one point, her mother, Serena Ford, said she overheard school friends telling her daughter on a video chat to self-harm. When she spoke to the girls, it was met with verbal abuse. Over time, Charlie said her mental health declined significantly, and she would try to escape the car on the drive to school. "I didn't really want to go to school because of all the threats," she said. "I'd be hearing things from people and that would just make me break down in tears." Serena said it was devastating to watch the spark go out of her once bright little girl. "I had nights where I had to sleep with her because she was just so upset," she said. But after reaching out for help, Charlie got support, and the 16-year-old is now enrolled in distance education. In February, the federal government launched an Anti-Bullying Rapid Review, with findings due to be handed down later this year just as the social media ban for under 16s comes into effect. Co-chair Dr Charlotte Keating said they had received more than 1,600 responses from schools, teachers, parents and young people from around the country. "We've been tasked with putting together potential models for what a consistent national standard could look like to respond to bullying in schools," she said. Serena Ford said each time Charlie moved schools, the institutions' investigations were slow and protracted, and their responses ineffective. "They just kept putting it on Charlie as in, 'she is the problem; she needs to be more resilient'." At one point the family were threatened with breaking the law for not sending Charlie to school but were given no help to find her an alternative place. Serena said schools failed to acknowledge the overlap between schools, friendships and technology. "They told me that 'it's happening outside of school, so it's not their problem'." Ms Adams said their figures indicated Australia was not getting its anti-bullying policies right. In 2024, Kids Helpline received more than 3,500 calls and online contacts about bullying alone. The proportion that involved a child experiencing bullying and having thoughts of suicide was higher than at the peak of COVID lockdowns, which was a "critical mental health concern". "When we see levels of distress to the nature that Kids Helpline is getting, we see tragic consequences," she said. The latest release of data from the Australian Child Maltreatment study also raised questions about the country's responses to school bullying. The study of 8,500 Australians found despite at least two decades of extensive anti-bullying policies in schools, there was "no meaningful change" in the number of people experiencing bullying in their childhood over the past five decades. Lead author Dr Hannah Thomas, from the University of Queensland, said childhood bullying had been linked to higher rates of depression and other mental illness. "Those mental health harms happen not only just during childhood, but they tend to follow people into adulthood as well," she said. The study did find the duration of the bullying was shorter among the most recent generation of 16 to 24-year-olds. Dr Thomas said this suggested some anti-bullying policies "might be working". The Australian Child Maltreatment Study found the main reason people were bullied was because of their height or weight, followed by race or ethnicity, disability, sexuality and gender identity. Kids Helpline said reports to their counsellors suggested bullying happened both in-person and online and could range from physical assault to the use of anonymous online comments. New technologies were compounding the problem, according to the experts. The eSafety Commissioner's office said cyberbullying reports included sending hurtful messages, sharing embarrassing photos, spreading gossip, exclusion from chats and catfishing. "We're not teaching young people to deal with differences with kindness," Ms Adams said. "We see adults behaving poorly online. So we have to ask ourselves, as adults, are we role modelling?" Ms Adams said amid the troubling figures Kids Helpline was hopeful about a rise in young people seeking help. "We've got to continue to promote the strategies that young people have available," she said. Charlie and Serena said they were speaking out because they wanted young people to have more education about how to interact and more support for parents to get their children help. "I really want to make a change because nobody deserves to be treated the way I was treated," Charlie said.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Malay Mail
AI and ethics can help stop online harassment — Lim Jo Yi, He Xiaoyan and Mohd Istajib Mokhtar
JULY 20 — From school halls to digital spaces, moral and civic education teaches us to be helpful, considerate, and kind members of society. Yet, despite these teachings, various forms of harm continue to plague both physical and online worlds. One such issue is online harassment—also commonly referred to as cyberbullying. Online harassment has become a distressingly common experience for many internet users. It involves acts of aggression, intimidation, or abuse carried out across digital platforms. According to researchers like Leduc and colleagues in Computers in Human Behavior, it can take many forms—disinformation, name-calling, threats, sexual harassment, and public humiliation. This digital abuse can affect people from all walks of life, although certain demographic factors such as ethnicity, age, and gender may influence how likely someone is to experience it. Pew Research Center reports by Monica Anderson in 2018 and more recent updates by Atske in 2024 highlight how widespread and persistent the issue is, particularly among teens. Similarly, a Malaysian-based study published in BMJ Open by Samsudin and colleagues in 2023 found that young adults experiencing cyberbullying often also report psychological distress and strained family dynamics. In Malaysia, researchers Kee, Anwar, and Vranjes pointed out in 2024 that online harassment is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts among youth. Often, the abuse stems from prejudice—negative stereotypes based on religion, ethnicity, gender, or even personal interests can quickly snowball into digital attacks. Victims may receive a barrage of cruel messages, mockery, or hate comments targeting their identity. Cultural norms can also fuel the problem. When mocking or humiliating others is treated as entertainment, especially in online communities, abusers feel emboldened. The anonymity of the internet offers a protective mask that emboldens people to say what they would never say face-to-face. Combined with the misuse of free speech, this creates a digital culture that tolerates—even encourages—harmful behaviour. The effects of online harassment are not limited to bruised egos. Victims often face serious mental health challenges. Studies by Dr Cheryl Nixon in 2014 reveal how victims may suffer from depression, anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, appetite loss, and even suicidal ideation. These psychological effects can lead to social withdrawal, strained relationships, and a deep sense of helplessness. Embarrassment, fear, and self-blame are common emotional responses. Many victims, especially teens and young adults, avoid telling friends or family about their experiences, which only amplifies their isolation. Can ethics and AI offer solutions? As technology evolves, so do our opportunities to address online harassment in smarter ways. — Reuters pic A landmark case in Canada, R. v. Elliott in 2016, highlighted the legal implications of online abuse. The case was connected to Rehtaeh Parsons, a 17-year-old girl who took her life after a photo of her sexual assault was widely shared online, followed by relentless digital harassment. Although initial investigations failed to yield justice, public outcry prompted a renewed effort that led to charges under Canada's Cyberbullying Prevention Act—also known as Bill C-13. This tragic case led to legislative reform. Nova Scotia passed 'Rehtaeh's Law,' the first of its kind in Canada, which broadened the legal definition of cyberbullying and provided new tools for law enforcement to act. Writing in Crime, Media, Culture, researcher Alice Dodge in 2023 emphasised how the case shifted public perception of cyberbullying—from a social issue to a serious crime requiring legal intervention. Can ethics and AI offer solutions? As technology evolves, so do our opportunities to address online harassment in smarter ways. Media ethics plays a key role here. Researchers like Milosevic and colleagues in 2022, writing in the International Journal of Bullying Prevention , argue that media platforms must uphold ethical standards that prioritise harm reduction. This includes creating clear content guidelines, efficient reporting mechanisms, and psychological support systems for those affected. Media outlets should portray victims with dignity and avoid sensationalising abuse, while ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, could also help stem the tide. AI-powered moderation tools, if designed ethically, can assist in identifying abusive content and preventing its spread. But these systems must prioritise fairness, transparency, and accountability. Many current algorithms are geared toward boosting engagement—even if that means promoting provocative or harmful content. Instead, platforms need to redesign algorithms to avoid amplifying negativity. As highlighted by Zubiaga in the International Review of Information Ethics in 2021, tech companies must also be transparent about how moderation decisions are made and offer clear ways for users to report abuse. Ultimately, it's not just up to lawmakers, media companies, or AI developers. All internet users share the responsibility to create a culture of empathy, respect, and mutual accountability. By standing against online harassment, speaking up for victims, and supporting efforts for ethical technology, we can help make digital spaces safer for everyone. * This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail .
Fox News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Angel Reese opens up about cyberbullying from fans after 2023 national championship game
Chicago Sky All-Star Angel Reese opened up about some of the cyberbullying she's experienced since she played for the 2023 LSU Tigers women's basketball national championship team. Reese said in an interview with ESPN that she's since started a campaign to raise awareness about cyberbullying since then. "I've experienced it. It was hard for me in the beginning," Reese told ESPN's Elle Duncan. "After I won the national championship, my whole life changed, and that was the first time I had seen negativity like that on social media. I thought I had a huge following before, but it skyrocketed to millions. It was bigger than basketball when they were finding my address, my car. I had to change my whole lifestyle. "It doesn't bother me as much anymore just because I feel like I've built a thicker skin, but not everybody has a thick skin. And that's why I think players always come up to me and ask me, 'Are you OK? How are you doing?' I don't really know what's genuine, but I'm starting to open up and branch a little bit." Reese's 2023 national championship game was highlighted by her incident with Caitlin Clark. It started the on-court rivalry between the two women's basketball stars. Reese said she's gotten closer to the All-Stars on her team this year, more so than in 2024 when it was the WNBA team going up against the U.S. Olympic team before the Paris Games. "This is the closest I've been to these players this year. Last year, I wasn't that close. When I was in Phoenix (the host of the 2024 All-Star Game), I was very quiet," she explained. "I didn't talk to anybody. And that's what I really love about this league, being able to have sisters. "I don't have any sisters. Being able to have sisters here who really, really care about me and knowing I can take that and transform that into the community. There's a lot of cyberbullying going on. Not everybody is as strong as I am, and I was like, 'Why not flip a negative into a positive and give back?' I try to give back as much as I can." Reese will play in her second WNBA All-Star Game. She's averaging 14 points and 12.6 rebounds for the Sky. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"That was the first time I had seen negativity like that on social media" - Angel Reese on the moment she had to change her entire lifestyle after experiencing intense cyberbullying
"That was the first time I had seen negativity like that on social media" - Angel Reese on the moment she had to change her entire lifestyle after experiencing intense cyberbullying originally appeared on Basketball Network. For every athlete who strives to have a generational impact on their respective league, not receiving due credit is tough and Angel Reese knows all about it. Put simply, it becomes incredibly difficult to balance self-expression with the constant need to prove one's worth. So, while fans may continue to debate whether Caitlin Clark is the superior force to Reese, often criticizing the latter for embracing her "Bayou Barbie" image, there's an untold side to Reese's journey that reveals just how much she's endured. In the lead up to the All-Star weekend, the Chicago Sky forward opened up about the tough lifestyle changes she's had to make, having faced unapologetically harsh cyberbullying since her teenage years simply for staying true to who she is. Reese talks about how cyberbullying has affected her since her early days Especially during the early years of fame in high school and college, athletes are encouraged to focus on their craft and develop personalities, yet there is still a large segment of the public that expects them to keep their heads down and remain stoic. For Reese, that contradiction became increasingly difficult to navigate. When she led Louisiana State University to a national championship in 2023, even though Angel's popularity skyrocketed overnight, it wasn't like that kind of fanfare only brought positivity. In fact, she made it known that she's been relentlessly bullied, not just by trolls online, but by people who seem threatened by her unapologetic personality. "I've experienced it. It was hard for me in the beginning. After I won the national championship, my whole life changed. That was the first time I had seen negativity like that on social media. I thought I had a huge following before, but it skyrocketed to millions," Reese said in an interview with Elle Duncan with a grim face. "It was bigger than basketball, when they were finding my address, my car. I had to change my whole lifestyle," Angel has found support in the WNBA community On a brighter side, thankfully, she also shared that several WNBA players have reached out to support her, offering reassurance and solidarity - something she had not experienced as much during her transition into professional basketball. "That's what I really love about this league: being able to have sisters. I don't have any sisters," Reese continued in the same interview. "Being able to have sisters here who really, really care about me and knowing I can take that and transform that into the community." This admission serves as a stern reminder that in the midst of fiery rivalries and fan-fueled narratives, people often lose sight of the human behind the jersey. In choosing harm, fans sometimes go so far that they forget how their words can leave lasting harm. But credit to Reese, despite the hate, she's stood her ground and opened up about her experience, proving that her strength lies beyond the time on the hardwood. Safe to say that the glitz and glamor that most expect come with fame isn't always bright. While on the showbiz side, athletes try to flaunt a smile, on the backend is where they have to keep themselves mentally story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Zendaya's brilliant takedown of nasty trolls resurfaces... after keyboard warriors mocked her parents' looks
Zendaya 's brilliant takedown of cyber bullies targeting her parents has resurfaced one decade later. In 2015, a Twitter troll posted a picture of the 28-year-old Euphoria actress' mother and father, Claire Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu, branding the pair 'ugly.' A young Zendaya, who was just 18 at the time, responded by posting a note to the social media site after a barrage of nasty keyboard warriors escalated the derogatory comments. Addressing the haters, she wrote: 'While you're so concerned about what my parents look like, please know that these are two of the most selfless people in the world. 'They have chosen to spend their entire life not worried about trivial things such as looks and insulting people's parents on Twitter but instead became educators who have dedicated their lives to teaching, cultivating and filling young shallow mind.' As she continued, Zendaya urged the trolls to 'please, log out, go to school, hug a teacher and read a textbook and while you're at it, go look in the mirror and know that you too are beautiful, because such hateful things only stem from internal struggles. Bless you.' Zendaya is the only child of Claire and Kazembe, although her father has six older children from his previous relationships. The former couple divorced when the star was a child although she previously revealed that her parents are 'still homies.' California born Zendaya has a close bond with both of her parents, so close in fact that her dad is also her manager. Last April, Zendaya opened up about her 'complicated feelings' about growing up in the public eye since getting cast as Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel sitcom Shake It Up. The Oakland native, who was a two-time Emmy winner by 27, reflected on her struggles with anxiety after being put in a 'very adult position' as her family's breadwinner before becoming a legal adult. When asked what her career goals were growing up during an interview with Vogue, the Euphoria star admitted that she finds the question a bit 'funny' as it's something that she is still trying to figure out now. 'I don't know how much of a choice I had. I have complicated feelings about kids and fame and being in the public eye, or being a child actor,' she explained. 'We've seen a lot of cases of it being detrimental.' As an adult, she said she has found herself thinking: 'Oh, okay, wait a minute: I've only ever done what I've known, and this [acting] is all I've known.' 'I'm almost going through my angsty teenager phase now, because I didn't really have the time to do it before,' she mused. Zendaya urged trolls to 'look in the mirror and know that you too are beautiful, because such hateful things only stem from internal struggles' While looking back at her adolescence, Zendaya said: 'I felt like I was thrust into a very adult position: I was becoming the breadwinner of my family very early.' 'There was a lot of role-reversal happening, and just kind of becoming grown, really,' she noted. Additionally, she felt a lot of pressure to become 'this perfect being and be everything that everyone needs' her to be and live up to. The pressure and expectations, still, make it difficult for her to live in the moment or, even, enjoy her current success. 'Now, when I have these moments in my career — like, my first time leading a film that's actually going to be in a theater — I feel like I shrink, and I can't enjoy all the things that are happening to me, because I'm like this,' she said while balling up her fists. 'I'm very tense.'
