From schoolyards to screens: The evolution of school bullying

Bullying has undergone a significant transformation in the digital age, extending far beyond its traditional settings of schoolyards and playgrounds. Today's adolescents face a new form of intimidation known as cyberbullying, which follows them into their homes and can rapidly spread to hundreds of peers through smartphones and social media platforms.

This pervasive issue has emerged as one of the most rapid-growing threats to the health and well-being of Korean adolescents, as highlighted in a 2025 national survey on cyber violence.

According to the survey, 42.3 percent of Korean adolescents between fourth grade and high school have experienced cyberviolence, either as victims, perpetrators, or both. Among those impacted, the primary sources of such abuse are often strangers (51.9 percent) or friends (33.6 percent). Alarmingly, 42.9 percent of those involved in cyberviolence reported that their actions went undetected by others, suggesting a concerning lack of awareness or concern among peers and authorities.

The motives behind these digital attacks are varied, with retaliation (cited by many), stress, amusement, and intolerance of differences being common explanations. However, some perpetrators admitted to acting without any specific reason. This complex landscape of cyberbullying underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect the mental and emotional health of today's youth in Korea.