In its recent survey conducted with Caisse d'Epargne, the e-Enfance association looked at cyberviolence and its consequences on young adults.
According to this study, 60% of 18-25 year olds have already been victims of cyberbullying: virtual violence with very real consequences.
Despite awareness on this subject, the tools to combat cyberviolence remain weak.
While November 10 marks the national anti-bullying day, a study carried out by Caisse d'Epargne and the e-Enfance association published on November 8 highlights the vulnerability of young adults to cyberviolence, and in particular cyberbullying.
If in its 2021 study, the association revealed that 20% of children and teenagers (6-18 years old) were affected by cyberbullying, the 2022 edition focuses on 18-25 year olds, a generation that we think is more protected against forms of online violence.
However, 60% of them have already been victims of cyberbullying.
“It's a generation that knows the risks, but is even more exposed to them,” explained Justine Atlan, director of e-Enfance.
18-25 year olds have been social network users since adolescence: they are even one of the first generations to have had several accounts on different platforms.
"This is the first generation to have learned to manage social networks alone, without generational transmission on the use of digital technology" added Justine Atlan.
Especially since this period between the end of adolescence and the beginning of adulthood is particularly pivotal: precariousness, anxiety about the future, vulnerability in terms of mental health... "It's a population at an angle dead, according to Justine Atlan.
They are no longer minors, but they are not really prepared for that age”.
A vulnerable age group, which would be all the more exposed to certain online risks, such as piracy,
49% of victims of cyberbullying have already considered suicide
Especially since 18-25 year olds have suffered the full brunt of the health crisis and the various confinements: 90% of them believe in the e-Childhood study that their time spent online has increased.
Lack of social life, returning to higher education with a mask on their nose and permanent fear of Covid-19, young adults have postponed their online activities, from lessons to Zoom aperitifs.
This has resulted in an increase in certain risky behaviors.
According to the study revealed by e-Enfance, if there is no typical profile of victims of cyberbullying, among 18-25 year olds, there are slightly more men and a larger proportion of non-graduates. in the victims.
Most are confronted with cyberbullying before the age of 21, at a time when we are building ourselves as adults.
However, despite these numbers,
The e-Enfance study also aims to recall the very real consequences of virtual violence: among 18-25 year olds, 69% of bullying victims say they have been subject to insomnia, appetite problems or despair, 66% expressed difficulties in their work or studies, while 51% almost fell into addictive behavior (alcohol or drugs).
49% of young people surveyed also admitted having thought about suicide, and 61% of 18-25 year olds said they had trouble talking about these issues with their loved ones or professionals.
Even if the subject of cyberbullying has been widely covered in schools for several years, the study reveals that young adults see awareness-raising solutions as "insufficient", and that they expect much more support,
What tools to deal with cyberbullying?
While the Caisse d'Epargne and e-Enfance study reveals striking figures, it also shows the weakness of prevention and support systems against cyberviolence among adults.
Still according to the study, 18-25 year olds would be 62% to want a more reinforced psychological follow-up, and 52% of the help provided by an association specialized in the field.
e-Enfance has also revealed some figures on its operation: reachable online or by telephone at 3018, the association which has around ten listeners receives 24,000 calls per year, an average of 80 calls per day, a figure constantly increasing.
The association can also delete comments and content online by going directly through the platforms, in less than an hour: in 2021, it deleted nearly 7.
000 accounts and content.
It even recently launched its 3018 application, equipped with a secure digital safe to store possible evidence to present to law enforcement.
Faced with cyberbullying, if there are no miracle solutions, certain solutions can be put in place to protect yourself: report problematic content, block unwanted accounts, do not forget to keep evidence, and switch your social networks to a third person as long as it calms down.
But above all, if you are a victim of cyberbullying, you can file a complaint: it is an offense punishable by two years in prison and a fine of €30,000.
Victims can contact associations, but also Pharos, the platform of the Ministry of the Interior which allows illegal content to be reported online.
The solutions exist, but the victims often remain alone with their harassers.
Even today, convictions for cyberbullying are rare.
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