Empowering Young People in the Prevention of Digital Violence

Digital technologies have evolved rapidly, exceeding any other innovation in history. Within two decades, they have reached approximately 50 percent of the population in the developing world, fundamentally altering various aspects of society. By greatly improving connectivity and fostering financial inclusion, these technologies provide access to trade and essential public services, effectively establishing technology as a powerful tool for addressing disparities. The rapid advancement of digital tools and platforms has opened up many opportunities for children and young people. They can now communicate seamlessly with peers from different backgrounds, access diverse educational resources, engage in social networking, and explore various forms of entertainment. As they navigate these digital spaces, they are equipped with the tools to innovate, collaborate, and engage with challenges in ways that were unimaginable just a couple of decades ago.

The rapid advancements in technology have transformed how we communicate and interact online. However, as these tools become more accessible, we must recognize that one in three internet users worldwide is under 18 years old. While digital advancements hold great potential for positive engagement, they also present issues that can lead to negative outcomes, including instances of digital violence, particularly among youth. Digital violence implies acts of harm that are demonstrated through digital technologies, such as the internet, social media platforms, mobile phones, and various digital devices. This form of violence typically involves the use of these technologies to inflict harm, abuse, or exploitation on individuals, with a particular focus on vulnerable populations, including women, children and youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, or from ethnic or linguistic minorities, Indigenous groups, and residents of poor or remote areas.

Digital violence plays a notable role in gender-based violence, an issue that is of particular importance to the UNFPA. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence, or TFGBV, is an act of violence perpetrated by one or more individuals that is committed, assisted, aggravated, and amplified in part or fully by the use of information and communication technologies or digital media, against a person based on their gender. It can be carried out using new technologies or old technologies in innovative ways. Preventing this issue is particularly challenging due to its ongoing evolution, and it is essential that we remain vigilant in our efforts. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence takes many forms, including sextortion (blackmail by threatening to publish sexual information, photos or videos), image-based abuse (sharing intimate photos without consent), doxxing (publishing private personal information), cyberbullying, online gender and sexual harassment, cyberstalking, online grooming for sexual assault, hacking, hate speech, online impersonation, and using technology to locate survivors of abuse in order to inflict further violence. UNFPA is actively combating technology-facilitated gender-based violence through a multifaceted approach that prioritizes the needs of victims. By providing comprehensive response services that include social support, healthcare, legal assistance, and access to justice, the UNFPA ensures that victims receive the help they need at critical moments and in convenient locations. Through the empowerment of survivors with knowledge and resources, the UNFPA aims to foster a supportive environment and advocate for greater accountability and regulatory measures. The initiatives include innovative tools such as "The Virtual Is Real," an interactive feature designed to engage communities on this pressing topic, and the "Bodyright" campaign, which seeks to affirm individuals' rights to their own bodies in both online and offline spaces. UNFPA also works diligently to promote a cultural shift that challenges discriminatory attitudes and behaviors and supports the development of technology and digital platforms that prioritize safety and privacy.

One of the major issues caused by digital violence is online sexual exploitation and abuse and exposure to violent and sexual content online which can negatively affect young people's emotional well-being. The promotion of suicide and self-harm is another alarming challenge, with harmful content encouraging vulnerable youth to engage in dangerous behaviors. Digital spaces can also foster discrimination, racism, and xenophobia, subjecting youth to online abuse based on their identity, which can have serious emotional and social consequences.  The risk of recruitment into criminal or extremist groups is heightened online, where youth may be radicalized through targeted campaigns. Hate speech, fraud, and cyberbullying are widespread in online environments, further harming youth by fostering aggression, stealing personal information, or causing emotional distress. The impact of cyberbullying, in particular, can lead to severe mental health issues or even self-harm.

 Tackling these threats demands a thorough and multi-dimensional strategy that brings together various elements. Firstly, legal protections to safeguard young people from online harassment, exploitation, and other digital dangers. In addition to legal measures, education plays a crucial role. Comprehensive digital literacy programs should be established in schools and community organizations to teach young people about safe online practices, the importance of privacy, and how to recognize and report harmful behavior. Parents and guardians also need resources and training to help them engage in conversations with their children about navigating digital spaces responsibly. Finally, increasing awareness of these issues is essential. By combining these approaches a digital environment that is not only safe but also nurturing for young people can be created.

Further discussion is required to address numerous questions:
1. How can governments and international organisations collaborate to provide digital literacy programs that empower youth in fighting digital violence?
2. What can be considered as digital violence and what can the UNFPA do considering their work?
3. How can education systems be reformed to better help youth in navigating and protecting themselves from digital violence?