As reported by the POSTAL do Algarve newspaper on 11 April 2025, Portugal’s Government Working Group on Bullying in Schools has revealed the results of a nationwide study highlighting concerning statistics: 6.1% of young people aged 11 to 18 have reported being victims of cyberbullying. In addition, 5.7% said they had witnessed similar incidents, while 0.8% admitted to having engaged in such behaviour online.

At a time when children and teenagers are using mobile phones and social media at increasingly younger ages, experts are warning of the risks associated with intense and unsupervised technology use. The study reinforces the urgency of educational and family policies that promote digital literacy, responsible use of technology, and above all, respect for others — both offline and online.

The impact of cyberbullying extends beyond verbal attacks or public humiliation on social media. The psychological consequences — including anxiety, isolation, depression, and low self-esteem — can be deep and long-lasting. It is therefore essential to strengthen the role of schools, families and digital platforms in prevention, early detection and effective intervention.

This alert adds to a growing number of warning signs related to youth violence, reinforcing the need for coordinated action by the State, educational communities and civil society. Creating safe digital environments is now a shared — and urgent — responsibility.