Danish children face digital harassment crisis, study reveals

Recent findings reveal a troubling picture of online experiences for Danish children and teenagers. A study conducted by Epinion for Red Barnet and Trygfonden indicates that 70% of young individuals aged 9 to 17 have encountered one or more forms of digital harassment in the past year. This includes receiving intimate photos and disturbing messages, often against their will, leading to instances of extortion or threats.

Psychologist David Madsen emphasizes the urgent need for societal recognition of this issue, stating that the high incidence of negative experiences warrants serious concern. Many young people are reluctant to share their unsettling experiences, particularly with adults, which can lead to significant mental health consequences. Madsen notes that such isolation often results in symptoms of anxiety and depression, akin to PTSD in some cases.

The role of social media platforms has come under scrutiny, with criticism directed at the algorithms designed to maximize user engagement. These algorithms can inadvertently expose younger users to violent content, which raises ethical concerns about the responsibility of tech companies. Madsen asserts that the industry must prioritize creating content that does not solely aim to attract attention.

The conversation around children’s interactions with social media has gained momentum, with a collective push from parents against smartphone use until the eighth grade. In a recent electoral campaign, the Social Democrats proposed raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 15.

Sociologist Jakob Demant urges parents and platforms to take responsibility, advocating for better understanding of the implications involved in sharing explicit or violent content. The study illustrates that Snapchat remains the primary platform for digital violations, with private photo exchanges and rumors being the most common issues reported.