Cyber violence refers to the use of digital technologies, including the internet and social media, to persecute, aggress, threaten, blackmail, or insult others. This phenomenon has become a serious problem affecting children, teenagers, and adults worldwide. While online violence may be virtual, it can cause very real harm to the victims. Therefore, it is essential to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones from cyber violence and how to respond to potential threats.
Read more: Social protection in times of war: what the 2025 budget envisages
How to prevent cyber violence?
To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of cyber violence, it’s important to follow several simple but effective rules for behavior in the digital space.
- Protect personal information
- Do not share personal information online. Private details such as your home address, phone number, or financial data should remain confidential.
- Control your privacy settings. Most social media platforms allow you to customize profile visibility and limit who can view your posts or send you messages.
- Be cautious of phishing. This is one of the most common forms of cyber violence. Do not open suspicious links or files from unknown senders.
- Recognize cyber violence
- Be attentive to signs of aggression or stalking. Constant negative comments, threatening messages, or unwanted contacts can be signs of cyberbullying or cyberstalking.
- Use protective tools
- Enable blocking and filtering options. Most platforms offer the ability to block users who send offensive or unwanted messages. You can also report abusive content or suspicious users.
- Promote responsibility online
- Communicate politely online. A positive example of online communication helps to create a healthy cyber environment and encourages others to do the same.
- Support victims of cyber violence. It’s crucial to show a person who is being affected by cyber violence that they are not alone.
- Seek help and report the incident to authorities In some cases, cyber violence is a criminal offense, and law enforcement has the necessary means to investigate and punish the perpetrators.
Where to seek help?
If you are a victim of cyber violence or have witnessed such an incident, it’s important to seek help to protect yourself and others. In Ukraine, there are hotlines and organizations that provide support in cases of cyber violence:
- National helpline for children and youth: 116 111 or 0 800 500 225 (24/7, free of charge).
- Bullying helpline: 116 000.
- Government hotline on human trafficking and domestic violence: 1547.
- Helpline on violence prevention: 116 123 or 800 500 335.
- Free legal aid center: 0 800 213 103.
- Police: 102.
- Submit an electronic complaint to Cyberpolice: https://ticket.cyberpolice.gov.ua.
- Stop Sexting Chatbot – for help in cases of blackmail and requests for sexual content online.
Advice for parents and educators
If you are a parent or educator, it is important to ensure your children’s safety in the digital space. Here are some tips for creating a safe online environment for children:
- Talk to children about cyberbullying Explain to children what cyberbullying is and why it’s important to stay safe online. Honest conversations about the risks of cyber violence and its consequences can prevent many problems.
- Maintain trusting relationships It is important to build a trusting relationship with your child so they feel comfortable coming to you for help if anything goes wrong. Be attentive to your child’s emotional state.
- Talk about boundaries between real and virtual worlds Children often don’t realize the dangers of online connections. It is crucial to control their online activity and explain that personal information is private and protected by law. Make sure your child understands what is acceptable to post online and what is not.
- Teach the “billboard test” Teach your children that before posting any photos or videos, they should ask themselves if they would want that content to be displayed on a large billboard in front of their school, for example. Would they be comfortable with their grandmother or teachers seeing it? Emphasize that once something is posted online, it remains there forever.
- Discuss sexting and sexual harassment online Explain the risks of sexting (exchanging sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos via mobile phones or online communication platforms). Talk to your children about the potential consequences of sexting and how images can get out of control online. Encourage your child to be open with you and report any incidents of sexual violence or cyber violence they may witness. Teach them to recognize the signs that can help avoid sexual violence, such as receiving explicit content or requests from strangers to meet in person. Ensure they understand the importance of not accepting friend requests or gifts from strangers.
- Teach children how to respond to insults or harassment If your child faces insults online, explain that the best course of action is to ignore the provocateur. Don’t give them the reaction or emotions they’re seeking.
Cyber violence is a serious threat to the safety and emotional well-being of both children and adults. However, by following basic online safety principles and utilizing protective measures, we can significantly reduce risks and minimize the impact of such violence. It is essential not to stay indifferent and to support those who need help in this difficult situation.
