Survey on digital violence against girls

Plan International surveyed 14,071 girls about their experiences using social media and their experiences with online harassment. They were also asked about the consequences of (sexualized) hostility and discrimination on the internet for them—and what solutions they would like to see.

Most of the respondents actively used platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, followed by Snapchat and YouTube. Their experiences were similar: body shaming, stalking, insults, threats of violence, including sexual violence, racism, and anti-LGBTIQ comments. Well over two-thirds of the girls suspected a male harasser, while 18 percent of those surveyed believed there was a religious motive behind the attacks and six percent believed there was a political motive.

Regardless of the content and form of girls' posts online, they are harassed and insulted simply because they are girls. That alone is enough to warrant harassment and all forms of insults. The attacks become even more violent when the girls are black, have an LGBTIQ+ background, or are disabled. But according to a survey by Plan International, there is also a second level. Girls are attacked because of what they say, with harassers responding to their debates and topics. The consequences of both forms of attack are similar: lower self-esteem, emotional stress, insecurity, problems at school, with friends, and later at work. They become less and less confident about being active online or stop posting anything that expresses their own opinion altogether. Most respondents believe that the main responsibility for their safety online lies with the social media companies themselves, but also with the governments in their countries. They would like to see more education and awareness-raising, the combating of gender norms, and the enforcement of existing laws. Above all, however, they want the perpetrators to be held accountable.