A/72/275 28. At the same time, more work needs to be done. For example, there is no standard categorization of the different forms of violence, and no internationally agreed methodology for data collection. Various approaches are followed, for example, addressing different age groups and types of behaviour, thus compromising the estimation of global prevalence or precise, consistent and representative assessments. 29. Data is not politically neutral; it provides transparency to policymaking and enables public scrutiny of the actions of States with regard to the protection of children from violence. As the surveys conducted around the world illustrate, the re are positive examples of Governments that place ensuring the best interests and safety of children above the preservation of a positive political image. These efforts should be commended. Support must be given to ensure strong collaboration between statistical offices and policymakers so that data on children’s exposure to violence, no matter how daunting the findings, help to shape the policy agenda. 30. Promoting the development of sound monitoring tools and methodologies, as well as disaggregated data to monitor progress and identify gaps in implementation, is a subject to which the Special Representative will continue to give great attention. B. Consolidating knowledge to accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda 31. Since her previous report, the Special Representative has issued two thematic studies to further raise awareness, consolidate knowledge and mobilize action in areas of concern addressed by the 2030 Agenda. 32. Ending the Torment: Tackling Bullying from the Schoolyard to the Cybers pace 6 gathered evidence from leading experts around the world on this major issue of concern for children. The study informed the report of the Secretary -General on protecting children from bullying (A/71/213) and the General Assembly resolution on children’s protection from bullying. 7 33. The study took into account children’s views and experiences, as well as the findings from an online poll promoted by UNICEF and the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children. More than 100,000 children and young people participated in the survey: 9 out of 10 considered that bullying was a problem, two thirds reported that they had been victims, and one third of these children had told no one about it. 34. Protecting children from bullying is not just an ethical imperative or a laudable aim of public health or social policy; it is a question of human rights. Bullying is an aggressive pattern of behaviour that is often part of a co ntinuum, a torment that shapes children’s lives at different moments and in different settings, from the schoolyard to the neighbourhood and, increasingly, into the online world. 35. Indeed, with growing access to the Internet and the wide use of smartpho nes by children and young people, online bullying (cyberbullying) has become an increasing source of concern. Spreading rumours and posting false information, hurtful messages, embarrassing comments or photos, or being excluded from online networks can affect victims deeply. Anonymity may aggravate cyberbullying by encouraging young people to act in ways they would not in person. Moreover, cyberbullying can strike its victims at any time, and the harmful messages or materials can spread fast and far, multiplying the risks and its damaging impact. __________________ 6 7 6/18 Available from http://srsg.violenceagainstchildren.org/page/1496. General Assembly resolution 71/176. 17-13267