The internet, devices used to access it, such as tablets and smartphones, social media sites, and messaging apps, have all become essential parts of young people’s life all around the world. They have changed how they go to school and learn, how they make and keep friends, how they use their free time, and how they interact with the rest of society. According to UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2017: Children in a Digital World report, 71% of 15 to 24 year olds are online, making them the most connected age group globally. One in three internet users is under the age of 18. The so-called digital gap, however, is significant: 346 million young people are not online, with African teenagers suffering the most (60%)
omparison to 4% in Europe, are not connected). Young people are also being left behind in taking advantage of the benefits that digital technology can offer if they don’t have the necessary technical skills, reside in distant areas, or speak a minority language. These advantages include having access to news and information sources that can help protect their health, safety, and rights, as well as opportunities for education, training, and employment that can help end intergenerational cycles of poverty.
The digital age brings with it a wide range of risks and negative effects in addition to the significant potential it offers. Child sexual abuse and exploitation have become more widespread as a result of digital technologies. Online gaming communities and unprotected social media profiles give child sex offenders more access to minors. Technology has made it possible for trafficking rings and lone criminals to operate.
Through the use of encrypted platforms and the development of phoney identities, they have been able to avoid detection and pursue several victims at once.
Children can obtain sexual or intimate images of a peer and share them, with or without the peer’s knowledge, putting young people at danger from peer exploitation in addition to adult exploitation. Bullying is no longer limited to the schoolyard because to technological advancements; cyberbullying is a new way for bullies to humiliate and damage their victims with the click of a mouse. It is also challenging to remove words and images posted online th
Through the use of encrypted platforms and the development of phoney identities, they have been able to avoid detection and pursue several victims at once.
Children can obtain sexual or intimate images of a peer and share them, with or without the peer’s knowledge, putting young people at danger from peer exploitation in addition to adult exploitation. Bullying is no longer limited to the schoolyard because to technological advancements; cyberbullying is a new way for bullies to humiliate and damage their victims with the click of a mouse. It is also challenging to remove words and images posted online
