Bullying amongst the young is treated as part of growing up and cannot be ignored, with this menace now assuming alarming proportions as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a major factor. It is accelerating new forms of Technology-Facilitated Violence (TFV). Flagging this issue, UNESCO has warned that one in three students across the globe experiences bullying every month, while one in ten faces cyberbullying.
Its new policy brief, “Connected and Safe”, shows that nudification apps, voice cloning, automated harassment and AI companion apps used for grooming are now surfacing in school-based incidents across multiple regions.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has called upon countries to invest in digital safety measures, teacher preparation, and mental health support for students, in coordination with technology companies.
According to Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, one in three learners experience bullying every month, while one in ten face cyberbullying. Behind these figures are millions of children whose education, health and well-being are at risk, with consequences that can extend far beyond the classroom.
“Online and Technology-Facilitated Violence (TFV) is no longer a peripheral concern for education systems. It is part of the reality of school life for many learners, with direct consequences for safety, well-being, participation and learning. Around one in ten learners worldwide has experienced cyberbullying, and across 44 countries in Europe, Central Asia and North America, prevalence rose from 12 to 15 per cent between 2018 and 2022, among both boys and girls,” the policy brief said.
“Some learners are more exposed than others. Girls, learners with disabilities, learners of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics, and those marginalised by socio-economic status or geography face distinct and often more severe forms of harm,” it said.
In the context of bullying, data show that girls are just as likely as boys to experience bullying, although the types of bullying differ.
“Boys are generally more exposed to physical bullying and violence, while girls are more exposed to psychological bullying, particularly through cyberbullying and appearance-based bullying. Sexual bullying (sexual jokes, comments and gestures) affects boys and girls at similar rates.
“Physical sexual violence (assault, harassment and rape) can affect both boys and girls, but girls are more likely to experience this form of violence. Corporal punishment and all forms of violent discipline are also influenced by gender, with boys more likely to experience physical corporal punishment than girls and learners likely to be punished to reinforce expectations regarding behaviours deemed socially appropriate for each gender,” the brief said.
UNESCO argued that responsibility for safer digital environments for students must be shared between governments, technology companies, platforms and regulators, as schools alone cannot face this issue.
“Safer schools require sustained investment in teacher preparation, mental health and psychosocial support, reporting and response systems, digital safety measures, and coordinated action across education, child protection, health and technology sectors.
“UNESCO recently launched the process towards a new global recommendation on young people and digital environments in the age of AI, to ensure that these technologies protect children’s rights and well-being, strengthen critical thinking and empower them to shape their own future,” it said.