Statistics 2026
Bullying Statistics 2026 - Key Facts and Trends
Understanding bullying is the first step toward stopping it. While the data can be worrying - showing rising incidents in some areas and a shift toward digital harassment - it also reveals the immense power of parental involvement and peer intervention. For families and educators, these numbers aren't just statistics; they are a roadmap for where to look, when to step in, and how to protect the children in our care.
Key Takeaways
- 1 in 5 students report being bullied at school, a figure that remains stubbornly significant.
- Cyberbullying has risen, with 1 in 6 children globally and 46% of U.S. teens experiencing it.
- Bullying peaks in Middle School, with 27% of 6th graders reporting incidents.
- Bystanders are powerful: Bullying stops within 10 seconds in 57% of cases when a peer intervenes.
- Reporting is low: Only 46% of bullied students notify an adult at school, highlighting a need for safer communication channels.
The Current Landscape: Prevalence and Scope
Bullying remains one of the most significant concerns for schools and families globally. While traditional school bullying has stabilized in some regions, recent reports from 2026 highlight a troubling rise in specific incidents, particularly those involving intimidation and harassment. The data suggests that as students navigate an increasingly complex world, the line between offline and online conflict continues to blur.
19.2% →
Students Report Being Bullied
Nearly 1 in 5 students ages 12-18 reported being bullied at school during the school year.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (2022)
1 in 6 ↑
Children Cyberbullied
A 2024 WHO Europe study found this ratio among school-aged children, a figure that has risen since 2018.
46% ↑
Teens Harassed Online
Nearly half of U.S. teens ages 13-17 have experienced at least one cyberbullying behavior.
Source: Pew Research Center (2022)
New data emerging in early 2026 from New York State indicates a specific upward trend in school safety incidents. A report from the State Comptroller highlights that bullying, discrimination, and harassment are major contributing factors to the rising number of reported school safety incidents, alongside drug-related issues.
Bullying is not fading away; it is evolving. While physical prevalence hovers around 20%, digital harassment has spiked to nearly 50% of teens.
Where and How Bullying Happens
Parents often wonder where they should be most vigilant. The data is clear: at school, the hallway is the hotspot; online, it is social media. Understanding the location of these incidents is crucial for effective monitoring.
Locations Where Bullying Occurs (School Premises)
| Location | Percentage of Reports |
|---|---|
| Hallway or stairwell | 43.4% |
| Classroom | 42.1% |
| Cafeteria | 26.8% |
| Outside on school grounds | 21.9% |
| Online or by text | 15.3% |
| Bathroom or locker room | 12.1% |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (2022)
Most Common Types of Cyberbullying
Source: Pew Research Center (2022)
What counts as cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. It often occurs through SMS, apps, and social media. Common forms include offensive name-calling (reported by 32% of teens) and spreading false rumors (22%).
The Gender Gap and Demographics
Bullying does not affect all children equally. Gender plays a significant role in both the likelihood of being bullied and the method of bullying used. Girls are significantly more likely to be targets of rumors and exclusion, particularly in digital spaces.
Cyberbullying Rates by Gender (U.S. Teens)
| Demographic | Any Cyberbullying | False Rumors | Explicit Images |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teen Girls | 54% | 28% | 22% |
| Teen Boys | 44% | 19% | 14% |
Source: Pew Research Center (2022)
15% →
Gender Difference in Cyberbullying
Girls (54%) are more likely than boys (44%) to report experiencing cyberbullying harassment online.
Source: Pew Research Center (2022)
Bullying Frequency by Grade Level
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (2022)
Middle school remains the peak period for bullying incidents. Reports show that 27% of 6th graders report being bullied, the highest among all grades recorded, compared to just 13% of 12th graders. This sharp decline suggests that early intervention in middle school is critical.
Global Perspectives: A Worldwide Challenge
Bullying is not just a problem in the United States; it is a global public health concern. Recent data from WHO Europe shows distinct patterns across different nations, reminding us that digital safety is a universal parenting challenge.
Cyberbullying Prevalence in Selected Countries (Boys vs Girls)
| Country | Boys (11-15 yrs) | Girls (11-15 yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | 28% | 26% |
| Moldova | 28% | 24% |
| Poland | 26% | 25% |
| Spain | 6% | 6% |
1 in 8 ↑
Adolescents Cyberbullied Others
Globally, about 1 in 8 adolescents admitted to cyberbullying others, a number that has increased since 2018.
While rates vary by country, the trend is upward globally, with a notable increase in children admitting to being the perpetrators, not just the victims.
The Power of Intervention
This is the most hopeful section of the data. While bullying is prevalent, we are not helpless. The statistics on peer intervention are incredibly powerful - when other children step in, the dynamic changes almost instantly. This reinforces why teaching empathy and courage is just as important as monitoring screen time.
57% →
Bullying Stops When Peers Intervene
When bystanders intervene, bullying stops within 10 seconds in 57% of cases.
Reporting and Notification Statistics
| Action | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Bullied students who notified an adult | 46% |
| Students who thought bullying would happen again | 42% |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (2022)
Does reporting bullying actually help?
Yes, but many students hesitate. Only 46% of bullied students notify an adult at school. However, research shows that peer intervention is highly effective, stopping incidents 57% of the time within mere seconds. Encouraging children to speak up - either for themselves or friends - is a proven strategy.
We cannot rely solely on teachers to see everything. Empowering students to speak up is the single most effective tool we have, stopping incidents more than half the time.
Common Questions from Families
Is cyberbullying really increasing or just reported more?
The data points to a real increase. A 2024 WHO study confirms that cyberbullying rates have risen since 2018, with about 1 in 6 school-aged children now experiencing it. The shift to digital learning and socialization has expanded the opportunities for online conflict.
At what age is bullying most severe?
Bullying reports peak in middle school. Specifically, 27% of 6th graders report being bullied, the highest rate among grades 6-12. By 12th grade, this drops to 13%, suggesting early adolescence is the critical window for parental vigilance.
Are private schools safer from bullying than public schools?
Not necessarily. The percentage of students who reported being bullied was not significantly different between public and private schools. Bullying is a peer dynamic issue that exists in almost every educational environment.
What are the warning signs I should look for?
Warning signs can be subtle. Watch for unexplainable injuries, lost or destroyed clothing/electronics, changes in eating habits (like skipping meals), and declining grades. Children may also fake illness to avoid school or exhibit sudden loss of friends.
Taking Action: What Families and Educators Can Do
The statistics are the signal, but your actions are the response. Knowing that less than half of students report bullying to an adult tells us we need to make it easier, safer, and less shameful to ask for help. Here is how you can use this data to make a difference today.
What Parents Can Do
- Start the conversation before it happens. Since bullying peaks in 6th grade (27%), talk about healthy friendships and digital boundaries in 4th and 5th grade.
- Watch for the 'Silent Signs'. Since only 46% of kids report bullying, look for changes in sleep, appetite, or a sudden reluctance to go to school.
- Teach the 'Bystander Power'. Remind your child that if they see something, speaking up or getting an adult works 57% of the time.
What Educators Can Do
- Monitor the 'Hotspots'. Data shows 43% of bullying happens in hallways and stairwells. Increase adult presence in these transition zones.
- Create anonymous reporting channels. Fear of retaliation is real; give students a safe, traceless way to alert you to problems.
- Intervene immediately and consistently. When adults respond quickly and consistently to bullying behavior, they send the message that it is not acceptable.
We are making progress. While the digital landscape presents new challenges, we know more about bullying today than ever before. We know that peer intervention works. We know which grades need the most support. And we know that when parents and teachers work together, schools become safer places for everyone. Let's take these numbers and use them to build a kinder year ahead.
Sources (6)
- 1.
- 2. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (2022) https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=719
- 3. FingerLakes1 (Reporting on NY Comptroller Data) (2026) https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2026/02/03/bullying-and-drugs-rise-as-school-violence-data-shifts-video/
- 4. World Health Organization (WHO) Europe (2024) https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/27-03-2024-one-in-six-school-aged-children-experiences-cyberbullying--finds-new-who-europe-study
- 5.
- 6. Pew Research Center (2022) https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2022/12/15/teens-and-cyberbullying-2022/
