Nicosia: A new study by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) has revealed a concerning trend of cyber violence affecting teenage girls across ten European Union member states. The research, which focuses on girls aged 13-18, indicates that almost all individuals in their peer groups have encountered some form of online abuse.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the findings were presented during a conference organized by the Cyprus EU Presidency in Nicosia, which aimed to address the prevention and combat of cyber violence against girls. Blandine Mollard, a researcher at EIGE, shared the results via videoconference, highlighting the pervasive nature of online abuse in the daily lives of teenage girls. The study, based on focus groups with 133 young women from countries including Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, and Sweden, provides critical insights into the experiences of these young individuals.
Mollard explained that the study organized focus groups into age-specific categories and included discussions with boys to understand their awareness and perceptions of cyber violence against girls. The research revealed that insults, mockery, and harassment are common in online interactions, with abuse adapting to the technical features of various platforms, from inappropriate content on YouTube to harassment on Instagram.
The study found that younger girls, aged 13 to 15, face exclusion from group chats, body shaming, and public humiliation. In contrast, older girls, aged 16 to 18, experience more sexualized and controlling abuse, including coercion and grooming. The data suggests that adolescent girls are more frequently targeted by cyber violence than their male counterparts, particularly in cases of sexual harassment and image-based abuse.
Mollard noted that for many girls, cyber violence is a persistent issue, with exposure to hurtful messages and unwanted attention becoming a regular part of their online experience. The research also uncovered that some boys view harassment as a status-enhancing activity, participating in acts like sharing intimate images or joining abusive pile-ons.
The study further highlighted that most adolescents witness online abuse without intervening, possibly due to fear of becoming targets themselves. Mollard emphasized the need for policy recommendations, including prevention and education, legal frameworks, and support systems, to address this widespread issue.
The conference will conclude with discussions on educational approaches for boys and young men, emerging challenges, victim support, and EU policy cooperation, aiming to bring about coordinated action to improve the situation for all affected parties.