Safeguarding childhood online – How cyberbullying threatens children's safety globally

For today's generation, the interactions that start in the morning at school do not end when the bell rings to mark the end of the day. They continue on social media platforms, in gaming communities and in group chats connecting youth across cities and countries.

In many ways, these digital spaces allow young people to keep learning and build friendships. At the same time, they can also become places where harm spreads rapidly and out of sight.

On 10 March 2026, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children presented its annual report to the UN Human Rights Council. This year's report highlights cyberbullying as an emerging threat to children's safety and well-being around the world.

Alongside the main report, a child-friendly version has been released to help a young audience understand the issue and learn how to stay safe in online environments.

Together, the reports call to rethink in which spaces the peace and well-being of children must be safeguarded. Protecting children today means thinking about safety not only in homes, schools and on the street. It must also include the digital spaces that play an increasingly important role in children's social lives.

A growing problem in a connected world

Cyberbullying takes place when digital means like phones, computers, gaming consoles or messaging apps are used to harm, embarrass or intimidate.

Cruel comments about a classmate, embarrassing photos shared without permission, or rumors spread in group chats: cyberbullying takes many forms. It can also be more direct, when the victim receives threatening messages or repeatedly gets targeted in online games or on social media.

A troubling characteristic of cyberbullying is that it does not stop when children leave school. Instead, it follows a victim into their homes and even their bedrooms. As approximately one in three of the world's internet users is under the age of 18, the problem is near-universal.

Today, around one in five children say they have experienced cyberbullying. In some countries, the number of children affected has increased by 50 per cent or more in the last few years.

These figures are already worrying, but the real number may be even higher. Many children do not tell anyone when they are bullied online. They commonly feel embarrassed and afraid, and often worry that adults might judge them or simply not understand.

Instead of reporting the problem, many children try to block the bully, leave online groups, or seek support among peers. Some stay silent, trying to cope entirely on their own.

Why action matters

Although cyberbullying happens on screens, its effects are real. Children who are bullied online are more likely to feel sad, anxious and isolated. Many struggle with low self-esteem, withdraw from friends, avoid social activities and find it harder to focus at school.

The problem is becoming more complex as technology evolves. The rapid development of AI simplifies the creation of fake images, voices and videos that make bullying more convincing and damaging. Manipulated content can spread quickly across platforms and reach large audiences in a matter of minutes.

Because much of children's online activity takes place in private digital spaces that parents and teachers cannot see, it becomes harder to recognize when something is wrong. Therefore, young people themselves can play a vital role in eradicating cyberbullying.

All over the world, children speak up about online safety. As true experts, their help in preventing cyberbullying is essential. Some are involved in advisory councils to technology companies, sharing ideas on how to improve reporting tools. Others are creating apps or websites to support peers who experience online harassment.

Contributions like these reinforce the new report's key message: protecting children online works best through cooperation at all levels. Stricter laws can be adopted, respectful online behavior can be taught in schools, and online platforms can be made safer for the youngest audiences.

As more of childhood moves into digital spaces, the meaning of safety changes. Ensuring peace and security for children means protecting not only the physical environments where they grow up. It means protecting the online worlds where children play, learn, share and connect, now and for generations to come.

Learn more about the annual report of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children.