Facebook has emerged as one of the main platforms used for cyberbullying in Mexico . In a context where internet access has become widespread—with more than 90 million users over the age of 12—the risks associated with digital interaction, such as insults, threats, and the dissemination of private content, are taking on alarming dimensions.
According to the latest reports from INEGI, 21% of Mexican internet users experienced some form of cyberbullying in 2024 , representing 18.9 million people. This phenomenon particularly affects women and young people, and in most cases, the attacks occur through social media, with Facebook and WhatsApp standing out as the most frequent digital platforms for this type of violence.
Facebook: Main channel for attacks and dissemination of unauthorized content
Facebook's popularity makes it the preferred platform for cyberbullies , both in cases of posting or selling sexually explicit images and videos and in sending inappropriate advances or propositions. Data from the MOCIBA survey reveals that, between June 2023 and June 2024, just over half of those who reported cyberbullying related to sexual content identified Facebook as the channel where the offense occurred. Facebook also leads in situations involving the receipt of unsolicited sexual content, followed by platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger.
Harassment on Facebook often takes many forms: from insults and offensive messages, threats, defamation, and identity theft to the publication of personal information and digital tracking . The distribution of intimate images without consent is also prevalent, an act already sanctioned under Mexican law by the Olimpia Law. We also recommend consulting our article on the impact of sharenting and risks to children's privacy on social media for information on social media protection and security.
Differentiated impact according to gender and age
Analysis of the figures reveals that women are the primary victims of cyberbullying , with a prevalence of 22.2%, compared to 19.6% for men. Regarding emotional reaction, 34.5% of women reported feeling fear in response to these incidents, a significantly higher proportion than the 16% reported by men. Furthermore, adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 19 constitute the most affected age group, reaching an incidence rate of nearly 28%.
Facebook plays a significant role not only because it is an easily accessible channel, but also because the dynamics of harassment on the platform reproduce patterns of inequality and gender-based violence . Data shows that more than half of the aggressors identified by victims were men, and the attacks are often perpetrated by strangers, taking advantage of the anonymity the platform provides.
Most common modalities and actions
Among the most frequent forms of cyberbullying on Facebook and other networks are: contact through fake profiles, sending intimidating messages, disseminating images or private information without authorization, and threats of publication for extortion purposes . Criticism of physical appearance or social class, as well as identity theft, are also common.
Those who experience cyberbullying tend to spend more time online, averaging approximately 5.5 hours per day, almost an hour more than those who have not been victims. This indicates that greater digital exposure leads to greater vulnerability , especially among younger people.
Reporting and reacting to cyberbullying on Facebook
Despite the scale of the problem, most victims do not file formal complaints . Only 11.2% of victims take their case to the authorities or the service providers themselves, such as Facebook. The most common responses are to block the aggressor (over 66% of cases) or ignore the content received.
Digital anonymity and the difficulty in identifying perpetrators discourage reporting and perpetuate impunity. However, Facebook and other platforms offer reporting mechanisms so users can report incidents of harassment. It is also advisable to consult our article on the risks of sharenting and the exposure of minors on social media for information on protecting confidentiality on social networks.
Security and prevention measures on Facebook
74.2% of internet users in Mexico have implemented digital protection measures , the most common being the creation or modification of passwords and the installation of antivirus software. However, these technical mechanisms are not enough to completely eliminate cyberbullying on Facebook. It is necessary to promote greater digital literacy, caution regarding shared information, and awareness campaigns specifically targeting young people and women.
Key recommendations include: avoiding posting sensitive personal information, not sharing passwords, monitoring account access, and reporting any harassment through official channels on the platform or to legal authorities. You may also find it helpful to consult our article on mobile phone use regulations in educational settings.
Although Facebook remains a space for social interaction and also for risks, collaboration between users, authorities, and the platform itself is essential to reducing the impact of cyberbullying . While the figures are worrying, progress is being made in raising awareness, strengthening reporting mechanisms, and implementing stricter laws against digital violence.
