Overview
- The nonprofit Bündnis gegen Cybermobbing reports that 37% of adults have experienced bullying, with cyberbullying cases estimated at more than 7.2 million and both measures rising since 2021.
- Young adults aged 18 to 24 are hit hardest, with 45% reporting bullying and about 25% reporting cyberbullying.
- Workplaces account for roughly 43% of incidents, and supervisors are named as perpetrators or co-perpetrators in more than half of workplace cases.
- Victims frequently cite depression, reduced self-worth and personality changes, nearly a quarter of cyberbullying victims report suicidal thoughts, and sick-day losses are estimated at about €4.3 billion annually.
- The study finds that about 82% of perpetrators were previously victims, and the group urges prevention to start in schools alongside employer action, counseling centers and anonymous hotlines.