Online violence, cyberbullying and digital harassment affect over 70 percent of young people globally, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said, calling for concerted action to tackle and prevent this form of violence.
“We’ve heard from children and young people from around the globe and what they are saying is clear: the Internet has become a kindness desert,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore on Safer Internet Day.
A recent one-million-strong UNICEF poll of 15- to 24-year old’s from more than 160 countries prompted the call, along with a series of student-led #ENDviolence Youth Talks held globally, which examined out what parents, teachers, and policymakers could do to keep them safe.
In the end, kindness stood out as one of the most powerful means to prevent bullying and cyberbullying.
“That’s why this Safer Internet Day, UNICEF is inviting everyone, young and old, to be kind online, and calling for greater action to make the Internet a safer place for everyone”, stressed Ms. Fore.
Regardless of income level, the Internet has become a mainstay of youth.
According to the UN International Telecommunications Union (ITU), 94 percent of 15- to 24-year old’s in developed countries are online, and more than 65 percent of their developing country counterparts – well ahead of the pace of Internet usage among the general population.
Moreover, half of the world’s total population, regardless of age, is online, which brings increased risks.
According to data from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the proportion of children and adolescents affected by cyberbullying ranges from five percent to 21 percent, with girls at higher risk than boys.
On Safer Internet Day, UNICEF is reminding everyone that “kindness – both online and off – is a responsibility that begins with each of us”.
In honor of the UN child-rights convention, which turns 30 this November, UNICEF is also calling for renewed urgency and cooperation to put children’s rights at the forefront of digital efforts.
Original source: UN News
Published on 05 February 2019
