Study Reveals 16% of German Teens Have Experienced Cyberbullying

New research highlights rising cyberbullying rates among teenagers, with severe psychological impacts and social media platforms as key venues.

The Sinus-Institut study, commissioned by Barmer health insurance, surveyed 2,000 teenagers aged 14-17 in late 2024.
16% of respondents reported experiencing cyberbullying, up from 14% in 2021, showing a concerning upward trend.
WhatsApp is the most common platform for cyberbullying, followed by TikTok and Instagram, with insults and rumors being the primary forms of harassment.
Cyberbullying has profound psychological effects, including stress, anxiety, and depression, and can lead to suicidal thoughts in severe cases.
Students are the most affected demographic, with incidents primarily occurring among peers, and 53% of teens know someone personally affected by cyberbullying.