Cyberbullying: One in five young people in Belgium have been victims

About one in five young people has already been the victim of cyberbullying via social media, according to research by the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men. Sexist attacks make up a large part of this online harassment.

In the national sexism survey '#YouToo?,' the Institute surveyed people about their negative experiences on social media. The results are disconcerting: one in three testimonies is about sexist cyberbullying, going from sexist language, stigmatising bodies or sexuality to threats of rape.

"People admit that they have crossed the line and treated others meanly online surprisingly easily. People sometimes seem to forget that behind that screen are real people. Online bullying can have a big negative impact," said the Deputy Director of the Institute, Liesbet Stevens, in a press release.

Age plays an important role, the survey found. One in five young people has already been a victim of cyberbullying. Young teenagers seem insufficiently aware of the limits of acceptable behaviour in the digital space, showing a clear need for awareness-raising in this area.

Related News

• 'Unheard of': Minister condemns sharing nude photos of Flemish media personalities
• Revenge porn cases rise sharply in Belgium
• Brussels starts fight against cyber violence

The study further shows that many people do not seem to realise that their online behaviour can result in criminal convictions.

"People get carried away in a discussion, often regret their sharp words afterwards and look for a way to apologise. A small minority seem to regard social media as a permanent war zone in which anything should be allowed."

However, social media are part of the public space, including for the law, Stevens stressed. "So by threatening someone with rape or sharing someone's nude images on it, you can indeed be found guilty of criminal offences."