Safety Net: Cyberbullying’s impact on young people’s mental health

The internet has become an integral part of our lives, opening up many social and educational opportunities. It has become particularly important in the lives of children and young people who are accessing the internet more regularly, with more devices, and for longer periods. Young people are now using a diverse and evolving range of social media networks and platforms to connect and communicate with their peers.
Although the internet and social media have opened up novel and exciting prospects for positive interactions, these have not been without risks and harm. Launching the Government’s proposed Internet Safety Strategy, former Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP noted: ‘The Internet has been an amazing force for good, but it has caused undeniable suffering and can be an especially harmful place for children and vulnerable people.’
There are growing concerns about the prevalence and impact of online bullying or ‘cyberbullying’ amongst children and young people.
We know that bullying is not a new phenomenon, but the digital landscape has fundamentally changed the way that young people are experiencing it. It is increasingly the case that children are being bullied online through social media platforms4 and the complexity of these social networks means bullying can take on different forms on different platforms.
Social media companies are facing increased scrutiny from parents, professionals and Government for their response to child protection matters online, including cyberbullying.
Young people told the inquiry loud and clear that the response they receive from social media companies following a report of cyberbullying is slow and inadequate. The industry has also been criticised for not showing the leadership required to innovate and address growing concerns about the scale of online bullying on their platforms.
The inquiry has heard from social media companies about what they are doing to prevent and respond to cases of cyberbullying on their platforms. This report reviews their current mechanisms and policies in this area, and outlines the key steps needed to safeguard our children and young people and ensure they have safe and positive interactions on social media.