Violence Against Girls in Cyberspace: the Dark Side of the Digital World

Abstract

In the digital age, where all information is just a click away, while children have access to knowledge and global connections, they also face a potential and serious risk of violence in cyberspace. No need for weapons, no bruises on the body, but the psychological trauma that victims have to endure can last a lifetime. Girls - with their specific psychological and social vulnerabilities - are emerging as one of the most at- risk groups in cyberspace. They face a wide range of online threats, including bullying, sexual harassment, scams, and invasions of privacy. The consequences for girls can be extremely severe. Using secondary data from international organizations and empirical findings from Vietnam, this article highlights the prevalence, complexity, and serious consequences of online violence against girls. It also proposes several recommendations to promote the joint efforts of families, schools, society, and digital platforms in enhancing digital literacy, strengthening protective mechanisms, and ensuring that girls' voices are heard and respected online.