The phenomenon of cyber-bullying is getting worse in Israel. A special survey conducted by the Israel Internet Association ahead of Internet Day on Tuesday, reveals that one in three Israelis has faced bullying either on Facebook or other social networking sites.

A victim of cyber-bullying by a now closed website once active in scamming for donations. – Photo: IsraelandStuff/PP

The disconcerting figures show that 81 percent of those questioned feel the Internet is unsafe for children and teens, and 61% of the survey’s participants — comprising parents to children under the age of 18 — said they themselves are exposed to online dangers.

The parents said the primary risk posed by surfing online was pornographic material, followed by sexual harassment on social networking sites, ostracization, verbal abuse and being exposed to violence. Sixty-five percent said they supervise and are involved to a great extent in the way their children use the Internet.

The survey also sheds light on the scope of the use of social networking sites. The most visited site is Facebook (86% of users), followed by photo-sharing site Instagram (26%) and Twitter (17%).

Another concern arising from the survey is that over half of those questioned say they personally know someone who has been harmed by the Internet — 32% know someone who had a personal account hacked, 17% know someone who suffered from verbal abuse and harassment and 12% know someone whose pictures were disseminated without his/her knowledge or approval.

The creator of the survey, attorney May-Tal Greiber Schwartz, said about the findings: The rise in the breadth of those being afflicted and the exposure it receives in the media means that there is increased awareness about these issues. We must continue working to encourage smart use of the Internet.”

On Tuesday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. the Israel Internet Association, in conjunction with Israel Hayom, will operate a hotline on Internet safety. The telephone number for questions is 03-9700911.