Childhood 2.0: AI Friends and Cyberbullying on the Digital Playground

Core Insights - The 2025 Norton Cyber Safety Insights Report highlights significant challenges parents face regarding cyberbullying and children's use of AI for emotional support, with 24% of parents reporting their children have been victims of cyberbullying and 41% indicating their children turn to AI for companionship [1][6] Cyberbullying Statistics - Over half (54%) of cyberbullying victims reported that the perpetrator was a classmate or peer, indicating that bullying extends beyond school hours and into digital spaces [2][4] - The report identifies various platforms where cyberbullying occurs, with social media being prominent: Facebook (52%), YouTube (46%), Instagram (45%), Snapchat (40%), and TikTok (37%) [4] Children's Digital Behavior - A significant number of parents (86%) attempt to manage their child's screen time, yet 56% of children find ways to bypass these limits [5] - Parents report concerning online behaviors among children, including accessing blocked sites (25%) and engaging in cyberbullying (9%) [5] Role of AI in Children's Lives - The report notes that 41% of parents say their children use AI for companionship, with 46% specifically using ChatGPT [6] - While 40% of parents recognize the benefits of AI for learning, there are concerns about its unintended effects, with fathers more likely to see its benefits compared to mothers [7] Recommendations for Parents - The report provides actionable steps for parents to enhance their children's online safety, including starting conversations about online behavior early, using parental control tools, teaching children to recognize red flags, modeling healthy tech use, and staying involved in their online activities [9][10][11][12][12]