Cyberbullying on the rise in Canada

There are few ‘net related studies for Canada, so when they come out it is usually a good thing. Not to say that this is bad, but the news certainly is. Microsoft and Youthography have released a survey that suggest that cyberbullying is on the rise in Canada. Along with the bullying stats, they found:

• 53% of males play games online, between 24% and 44% of those online players had participated in harassing, or been harassed by other players
• 60% of kids who get up in the middle of the night use the ‘net to talk to someone, this impacts their ability to function the next day
• 1/3 males used the ‘net to search for adult material
• 60% of kids said that there was no consequence to cyberbullying, even thinking that it is “cool” and half said that they bully because they have been bullied in the past
• females use the ‘net to socialize, males use it to play games (still socialization in a way is it not??)

I’ve pulled out some of the more alarming points here, but there are many good points, if the survey is to be believed:

• 86% of kids asked their parents before joining social or gaming sites
• 1/4 kids use an avatar, 12% change their age or gender (hopefully for the right reason)
• 76% are careful about what information they give out.
• 84% of respondents have had a discussion with their parents about the dangers of the Internet, and 86% of youth have punishments for not following household rules for Internet use.

Interesting stuff.