What online dangers are teens facing?

(NC) A lot of our lives are spent online. While there are many benefits to being connected, it also carries serious risks, especially for teens. Parents, guardians and trusted adults all have a role to play in knowing how to recognize the signs, and how to intervene safely when teens and youth might be in dangerous or violent situations.

Can violence happen online?

Unfortunately, yes. Violence isn’t always physical. It can also be emotional, sexual or financial, and violence that begins online can also spill out into the real world. Another important factor to consider is the prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV). It’s when someone is harmed or treated unfairly because of their gender, how they express it or how others see it. Much of the GBV that youth face today happens through the technology they use to communicate.

Understanding tech-facilitated violence

For many young people, tech-facilitated violence is part of their reality. This might look like being forced to share their location, having intimate photos spread, being threatened with sextortion (which is when someone threatens to send sexual content to others unless they are paid or sent more), harassing comments or memes, digital stalking or being outed online. These acts can cause deep and lasting harm that can affect life at home, at school and at work.

Young people are more vulnerable because their lives are deeply connected online, thanks to smartphones, social media, and an increased digital presence. Many find community through the web—it’s also a way for them to socialize, forge their identities, improve their mental health and seek safety and support. But this online life comes with risks and vulnerability. Young people often have less power to push back, and abuse can escalate quickly behind a screen.

Making a positive impact

Trusted adults can step in by modelling empathy and respect and keeping communication open with the young people in their lives. It’s important to check in with youth regularly to gauge how they’re doing online and if they feel unsafe. Adults can help educate them by showing them safe online activities and explain security and privacy settings they can update on their devices. Demonstrating how to stay safe while also ensuring they can participate in their social circles is critical.

If a young person tells you they’ve experienced GBV, the most important thing you can do is to listen, believe them and remind them they’re not at fault.

Young people need adults who will stand with them. Learn more about what you can do to make a difference and help end the cycle of violence at canada.ca/itsnotjust.