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MANILA, Philippines – 68% or nearly 7 out of 10 girls and young women in the country have experienced bullying online, particularly on social media, according to a study by the independent development and humanitarian organization Plan International.
Most girls said that bullying occurs “often” (50 percent) or “very often” (33 percent).
Eight out of 10 Filipinos surveyed said they or other girls they know had received threats of sexual violence on social media.
What made matters worse was that most of the bullying (67 percent) was done by people they know.
Additionally, girls and young women who were identified as having at least one cross-over trait (belonging to an ethnic minority, identifying as LGBTIQ +, or living with a disability) are more vulnerable to violence online.
“The high incidence of online violence against girls and young women is alarming. In this global pandemic and in an increasingly digital world, girls are at greater risk than ever, ”said Mona Mariano, gender specialist at Plan International Philippines.
“We must understand that it can also affect the lives of girls offline. Experiencing bullying or abuse online can greatly affect a girl’s confidence and well-being, ”he added.
The results were based on a larger study based on a survey and in-depth interviews of more than 14,000 girls between the ages of 15 and 24 in 31 countries, including the Philippines.
The survey was conducted by research firms Kantar and Ipsos between April 1 and May 5. Participants were asked about their experiences using the social media applications Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, WhatsApp, WeChat, YouTube, and Line.
56-page Plan International report, entitled “Free to be online? The experiences of girls and young women of online bullying ”was published on Sunday, in celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child.
The full research can be accessed at plan-international.org/freetobeonline.
Most respondents believe that the pandemic made being online “increasingly important: a lifeline for those who are often isolated at home and an important tool as young people struggle to keep up with their education and stay connected to the rest of the world. “
“Online violence robs girls of power. They are being excluded from a space that plays an important role in realizing their potential to prosper and become leaders, ”said Mariano.
The study recommended a “whole of society” approach to address the problem by recognizing the harm caused by online violence against girls and young women, promoting digital citizenship education, denouncing abuses, developing and implementing inclusive policies and laws, and amplifying the capacity of girls voices.
In April, President Rodirgo Duterte signed Republic Law No. 11313, or Safe Spaces Law, which imposes harsher penalties for sexual harassment based on gender.
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