One third of teenagers admit to having been aggressors on social media
Harassment, insults, or manipulated photographs are the most common cyber-violence, according to a survey by FAD Juventud
BarcelonaHarassment, insults, manipulated photographs to mock, or spying on someone's phone. These are the digital violences perpetrated by Spanish youth, mostly against people of their own age, friends, or work and leisure companions, and also against their partners. A study by FAD Joventut indicates that 26% of those aged between 15 and 29 have been digital aggressors in the last 15 years, with no significant gender differences, but there are differences by age: 32% of adolescents (15-19 years old) report having engaged in cyberviolent behaviors compared to 24% of those aged 20-24 and 20% of the 24-29 age group. The victim's profile is an adolescent belonging to a vulnerable group, such as an immigrant, a member of the LGBTIQ+ community, someone with a disability, or from a socially vulnerable family.
Based on a survey of 1,500 young people, the report "Código 505
Based on a survey of 1,500 young people, the report Harassment (stalking in English) is the most common form of violence (64%) and is also the most accepted by respondents. Close behind are defamatory statements and insults, hate speech, or the dissemination of manipulated images for mockery, and digital control of the partner
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The aggressions that most concern young people are the non-consensual intimate images spread through social media or instant messaging, ahead of internet fraud and threats, while they justify controlling their partner's social media and phone to know who they interact with. Women are the ones with the greatest capacity to identify and reject digital aggression.
Attacks from strangers
The violence in the studied age groups is exercised among peers, and the victims are usually classmates, sports club members, work colleagues, and also partners. 5% of boys who are victims say they have received cyberattacks from teachers and professors, double what women report. On the other hand, when the aggressor is a stranger, it is women who receive the most, exceeding what men experience by 10 points.
Based on the survey, it is established that digital violence forms a circle with blurred boundaries, as up to eight out of 10 people who admit to having aggressed claim that they have also been victims at some point. The violence is also not harmless, as it leaves emotional consequences, social isolation, and a risk of suffering more similar situations.
Young people primarily attribute responsibility to those who engage in these behaviors and to digital platforms, and believe that these companies should reinforce the fight against cyberviolence, as should families, according to the survey.