The global report sets the stage for the upcoming UN Summit
of the Future, where youth activists will demand action from
tech companies and states to build a trustworthy
internet
TORONTO, July 23,
2024 /CNW/ - New global research from Plan
International and CNN's "As Equals" series gathered insight from
more than 600 young women and girls ages 13-24 across nine
countries worldwide and has found that one in 10 girls and young
women (11%) reported having harmful online experiences daily or
almost daily, with almost 40% reporting they have been harassed
at least once a month.
According to Plan International, the research report, Building
Digital Resilience – Girls and Young Women Demand a Safer Digital
Future, makes clear that social media is not a safe space for
girls, young women and other marginalized groups and that measures
taken by national governments and tech companies to tackle abuse
and harassment to date remain "starkly inadequate."
Two-thirds (67%) of girls and young women surveyed see
themselves as primarily responsible for their online safety. While
this may be their present reality, they also feel they cannot, and
should not, be solely responsible for staying safe online,
stressing the need for structured support from tech companies,
governments, authorities and the wider community.
The research found that 75% of respondents had reported having
harmful online experiences "at some point." Almost half of the
respondents (44%) reported seeing or receiving unwanted sexual
images or videos, and one in four (25%) had faced
discrimination or hate speech. The impact of these negative online
experiences led to 35% of the survey participants reporting feeling
sad, depressed, worried or anxious.
When asked about which websites and platforms they were
encountering upsetting experiences on, most selected Facebook,
followed by WhatsApp and then Instagram.
"With so much of modern life today requiring an online presence,
from homework to lessons, finding employment and connecting with
friends, it is vital that social media is a safe space for all
children and young people," says Kathleen
Sherwin, chief strategy and engagement officer for Plan
International. "Protecting girls and young women online, whether
it's from sexual harassment, financial scams or cyberbullying, is
everyone's responsibility."
Similarly, a 2020 Plan International report revealed that
six in 10 girls in Canada have
experienced online abuse and harassment. To deal with online
harassment, 19% of the girls surveyed in Canada stated that they would stop posting
content that expresses their opinion.
"It is deeply concerning that in 2024, girls and young women
still face persistent online harassment, prompting many to silence
their voices," says Saadya Hamdani,
director of gender equality and inclusion at Plan International
Canada. "As they navigate an increasingly digital world, this
research highlights the urgent need for stronger protections and
shared accountability. Girls have shown remarkable resilience, but
they deserve more than coping mechanisms. Tech companies,
governments and communities must take proactive steps and drive
systemic changes to create digital spaces where girls can thrive
without fear."
For the 2024 Building Digital Resilience report, a
total of 624 girls and young women ages 13-24 from nine countries
(Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina
Faso, Colombia,
Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, the
Philippines and Timor-Leste) completed a survey and 73 girls
and young women in Brazil,
Malawi and the Philippines attended focus-group
discussions about their online experiences. As part of the
research, they also shared their solutions to make their online
experience safer.
In September 2024, the United Nations General Assembly will
meet for the Summit of the Future, where the Global Digital Compact
will be a key focus and is expected to outline
shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future
for all, including the application of human rights online.
Ahead of the Summit of the Future, Plan International is working
with girls and young women to call on tech companies and states to
fulfill their duties to build a trustworthy internet and introduce
accountability for discrimination and misleading content.
For research methodology, more information or to set up an
interview, please contact Plan International Canada's PR team:
PRteam@plancanada.ca
Building Digital Resilience – Girls and Young Women Demand a
Safer Digital Future can be downloaded here.
Editor's note: This report is the result of a
collaboration between Plan International and CNN "As Equals."
About Plan International Canada
Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization
dedicated to advancing children's rights and equality for girls.
Plan International has been building powerful partnerships with and
for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80
countries.
We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are
oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We're
determined optimists, and we will continue to
persevere until we are all equal.
Visit PlanCanada.ca for more information.
About CNN "As Equals"
"As Equals" is a CNN series that aims to reveal what
systemic gender inequality looks like.
There is a gendered dimension to every one of our major global
challenges, including but not limited to: climate change, economic
or health inequality, the rise of authoritarianism, mass migration
or algorithmic bias. Critical, tenacious journalism is required to
expose it all.
With stories on underreported issues in underreported parts of
the world, told by underrepresented voices, "As Equals" intends to
spotlight taboo subjects, use innovative presentations and effect
change.
Staffed by a dedicated team, "As Equals" will broaden the scope
of gender reporting and build on CNN's already-established
reputation for independent, world-class, mobile-first,
thought-provoking journalism, with production across CNN's
platforms, including newsletters and audio, documentaries, as well
as events.
SOURCE Plan International Canada