Interestingly, those who admitted to either contributing to or exhibiting bullying behaviors responded overwhelmingly that they felt social pressure to act (68%) and they said that they regret their actions (79%). Among those who felt significant pressure to act, regret was even higher at nearly 9 in 10 (89%). The findings are from Microsoft\u2019s latest research into aspects of digital civility \u00ad\u2013 encouraging safer, healthier and more respectful online interactions among all people. The study, \u201cCivility, Safety and Interaction Online \u00ad\u00ad\u2013 2020,\u201d polled teens ages 13-17 and adults ages 18-74 about their exposure to 212<\/sup><\/a> different online risks. This latest research builds on similar studies undertaken annually from 2016 to 2019. Previous years\u2019 projects polled the same demographic groups in 14, 22, 23 and 25 countries, respectively. A total of 16,051 individuals participated in this latest study, and we have surveyed more than 58,000 people over the last five years. Full results from this latest installment will be made available on international Safer Internet Day 2020 on Feb. 9.<\/p>\n Most common response: block \u201cbullies\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n For nearly a decade, young people around the world have been advised to \u201cStop, Block and Tell\u201d when it comes to online bullying, and that was the predominant response reported in this study. Two-thirds of respondents (66%) said they blocked the instigator while more than half (54%) said they talked to a friend, and more than 4 in 10 either ignored the person (44%) or told a trusted adult (42%). Sadly, given the importance of reporting unwelcome behavior to tech companies to help keep online communities safe and collegial, less than a third of respondents (30%) said they told a service provider, such as a social media company, about the incident.<\/p>\n We\u2019ve all seen various webforms and online tools for reporting instances of cyberbullying, harassment, or other forms of digital abuse to tech companies. But how many of us have experienced or witnessed cruel or malicious treatment online or stumbled upon harmful content and actually submitted a report? In addition to specific in-product or service links to report abuse or concerns to Microsoft, we also make available a series of topic-specific webforms to report non-consensual pornography<\/a> (unartfully referred to as \u201crevenge porn\u201d), terrorist content<\/a> and hate speech<\/a>. These issues, as well as bullying, harassment and other inappropriate behavior are all violations of Microsoft\u2019s Code of Conduct as detailed in the Microsoft Services Agreement<\/a>. On the other hand, if consumers feel their content was removed or their account was closed in error, they can complete this form<\/a> to request reinstatement.<\/p>\n Microsoft and other online service providers have a business interest in protecting our customers and the integrity of our services by removing illegal and harmful content and addressing prohibited conduct. Furthermore, customer-reporting plays an important role in achieving those aims. So, we encourage people who participate in our communities to make us aware of content that is illegal or violates our code of conduct. General research shows that many users are reluctant to report terms-of-service violations because they feel their reports will go unnoticed or they would simply prefer to let someone else do the reporting.<\/p>\n At Microsoft, reports are reviewed, evaluated and actioned as appropriate. Depending on the severity of the offense, different Microsoft consumer services undertake different enforcement actions.<\/p>\n So, as the new \u2013 largely virtual \u2013 school year begins, pledge to be an \u201cupstander.\u201d Embrace the Microsoft Digital Civility Challenge<\/a> and, if it\u2019s safe and prudent to do so, stand up for yourself and others online who may be targeted for abuse or cruel treatment. Make use of technology companies\u2019 reporting features, and promote good digital citizenship and digital civility in all communities.<\/p>\n To learn more about responding to online bullying and harassment, consult this<\/a> resource, and for more on digital safety and digital civility generally, visit our website<\/a> and resources page<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"online](\"https:\/\/www.sickgaming.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/microsoft-study-shows-bullying-remains-an-issue-with-4-in-10-teens-involved-adults-too.jpg\")
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