Online bullying gets worse: Survey finds that 80% of eight to 22-year-olds are concerned about abuse Concerns about the rise in online harassment raised as children prepare to go back to school next week Survey shows 71per cent have experienced bullying at school, college or university By Sarah Harris Eight out of ten young people believe that cyber bullying is getting worse, according to new research. They are worried about the rise of online harassment as they return to school this week, a study from the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassadors programme reveals. A survey of over 800 young people aged eight to 22 across the UK found widespread concern about the phenomenon. The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassadors' surveyed more than 800 young people. Almost three quarters said they have experienced bullying themselves A quarter reported that one of their friends has been bullied online or via a mobile phone during the summer holidays. Almost three quarters said they have experienced bullying themselves at school, college or university and 38 per cent believe these institutions do not take the problem seriously. More than 40 per cent claimed their school, college or university doesn't teach about online safety and 36 per cent are worried about being bullied. Alex Holmes, the Diana Award anti-bullying programme manager, said: "Many parents will be sending their children to school still unaware of the dangers they face online both at school and in the safety of their own home. Programme manager Alex Holmes said: 'This research clearly shows that more needs to be done to protect children from cyber bullying. That is something we all have a responsibility to do This research clearly shows that more needs to be done to protect children from cyber bullying. That is something we all have a responsibility to do. Over 5,000 young people volunteer and lead the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassadors programme in schools across England. They make up a network of young people who have received training to help support their peers and present bullying prevention initiatives.