Cyber violence against girls is an increasingly pronounced problem in the digital space, which is why the Council of the European Union called on EU member states and the European Commission to strengthen measures to protect girls and young women on the Internet.
The Council of the EU adopted conclusions calling for more effective prevention and suppression of various forms of online violence, including cyberstalking, online harassment, unauthorized sharing of intimate photos and sexist hate speech.
The conclusions are based on a report by the European Institute for Gender Equality, which shows that cyberbullying disproportionately affects girls and young women. Interviews with teenagers across the European Union have shown that girls are more often the targets of online violence than boys, often from the moment they start using digital technologies and social networks.
Cyber violence against girls requires a faster response
Girls and young women aged 13 to 18 believe that the existing preventive measures are not sufficient, which is why the need for concrete support, education and more effective application of the law is increasingly emphasized.
The Deputy Minister of Social Protection of Cyprus, Clea Papaellina, said that the conclusions of the EU Council are an important step in the protection of girls and young women on the Internet.
As she stated, cyber violence against girls is real, widespread and rapidly developing, while protecting girls and young women in the digital age is a common European responsibility.
It was especially emphasized that schools and parents must have more knowledge and tools to protect children and young people, but also that online violence must have real consequences through more effective law enforcement.
The Council of the EU warns that cyber violence is linked to systemic inequalities and harmful gender norms, which often normalize aggressive behavior and shift responsibility to victims.
Therefore, the proposed measures relate to support for victims, raising awareness, better education, more efficient response of institutions and research into the causes and forms of cyber violence.
The Council calls on national governments to provide victims with care, mental health support and legal aid, with special attention to age, disability, sexual orientation and other factors that can further increase the vulnerability of young people.
The ministers also pointed out the importance of educating teachers, educators and students about digital literacy, safety on the Internet, recognition of misinformation and technologies that can be misused for gender-based violence, writes RTV Slon.
