Cyberstalking, threatening messages and unwanted images are just some of the abuses that young women regularly face online, according to a new report.
Research by Plan International found that more than half of young women and girls have experienced cyberbullying in some form, calling for more adjustments on social media.
14,000 women and girls in 22 countries were asked to share their experiences with the humanitarian organization Plan International and uncovered similar stories about cyberbullying.
The detailed study, which spoke to young women and girls aged 15-25, found that about 20% of respondents had quit social media and 12% of them had reduced its use, due to online bullying.
A 20-year-old woman from Sudan spoke about how she received threatening messages:
"I remember this specific incident when I was younger. I got messages from guys asking me to send nude photos or they would edit my existing photos to look nude."
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. 47% of girls were threatened with physical and sexual violence.
"Instead of being free and empowered to express themselves online, girls are too often harassed, abused and expelled from online spaces," writes Plan International CEO Albrectsen.
The permanent impact of cyberbullying can be 'psychologically damaging'. Although harassment is especially prevalent on the internet, it is not a simple case of simply turning off your phone. Social media can be very important to stay in touch with friends and family or to stay up to date with current issues and job opportunities.
According to Plan International, 98% of women surveyed are on social media and 74% post frequently.
Plan International is urging social media companies to "take this issue seriously" by launching an online petition.
"Girls should not tolerate online behavior that in real life would be criminal!"
PI says governments and social media companies need to take action.
Source: Bustle
