World Day of Bullying and Cyberbullying Prevention 2025

On the World Day of Bullying Prevention (October 20), CIS-Iscte shares research data on these phenomena in a time where digital presence is more and more prevalent.

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In 2024, the report on the TURN_ON HELP project, led by researcher Raquel António and funded by the “la Caixa” Foundation, was released. The research, which included researchers Carla Moleiro and Rita Guerra, aimed to understand cyberbullying against different minority groups, namely LGBTQIA+ youth and Black youth. The results indicated that the responses of bystanders (i.e., people who witness this type of incident) vary depending on the target of cyberbullying, with a notable difference in the intentions to help between incidents of cyberbullying directed at LGBTI+ and Black youth: less help was provided to a young LGBTQIA+ person who is the target of cyberbullying than to a Black person who is the target of the same type of behavior.

The same researchers had already studied the prevalence of cyberbullying in Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic, publishing their findings in 2024. Data from two questionnaires, conducted in 2020 and 2021, revealed that most participants had experienced cyberbullying, associated with symptoms of psychological distress (e.g., sadness and loneliness). On the other hand, people targeted by cyberbullying who reported higher levels of parental and social support had lower levels of psychological distress symptoms.

CIS-Iscte recognizes the negative impacts of (cyber)bullying and the importance of creating safe spaces for everyone, especially those who belong to more vulnerable groups and are at greater risk of being targeted by this type of violence.

For more information, please check this resources (in Portuguese):

OPP_vamosfalarsobrebullying.pdf

Download PDF • 776KB

OPP_factsheet_ciberbullying.pdf

Download PDF • 138KB

Relatorio Clima Comunidade LGBTIQ Iscte.pdf

Download PDF • 3.96MB