The global craze for mobile phones is posing numerous threats. Young children are particularly at risk. According to a recent UNESCO report, approximately 10 percent of children worldwide are facing online cyberbullying. Every month, 1 in 3 students is subjected to some form of abuse. Worryingly, artificial intelligence (AI) tools are exacerbating this threat.
Notably, UNESCO has released a policy report titled “Connected and Safe.” This report states that the misuse of new technology in classrooms and school-related matters is rapidly increasing. This includes voice cloning, nudity apps, and automated online harassment. Furthermore, cyberbullying is also being perpetrated through AI companion apps that trap children.
The report states that technology-facilitated violence (TFV) is no longer a distant memory for schools, but has become a harsh reality of everyday life. Data shows its presence in 44 countries across Europe, Central Asia, and North America to be alarmingly widespread.
In countries in this region, the percentage of children experiencing cyberbullying increased from 12 to 15 percent between 2018 and 2022. This includes both boys and girls.
According to UNESCO, this cyberbullying is impacting children’s education, mental health, and future. Girls, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged children are most vulnerable to this threat.
The report also reveals patterns of cyberbullying. According to experts, the methods of bullying differ between boys and girls. While boys typically face more physical violence, girls face more instances of psychological harassment, including cyberbullying and taunts about their appearance.
Sexual jokes also affect both boys and girls to a similar extent. However, girls are the majority of victims of physical harassment and sexual violence.
The following are essential to address this problem:
UNESCO clearly states that schools alone cannot tackle this serious problem. Governments, technology companies, platforms, and regulators must all share responsibility. Teachers must be provided with better training to ensure a safe digital environment for children.
Strong mental health and counseling programs must be established in schools. Systems must be developed to report any such incidents immediately. In this technological age, both children’s rights and their safety must be prioritized. Failure to do so could put them in serious trouble.