About six in every 10 girls have been abused and harassed online, a new report commissioned by Plan International says.
'The state of the girl 2020’ report says one in four girls abused online feels physically unsafe as a result.
Some 42 per cent of those harassed online reported losing self-esteem and self-confidence, while another 42 per cent felt emotionally and mentally stressed. Further, 18 per cent reported having problems in school.
With 50 per cent of girls saying they faced more online harassment than street harassment, the study revealed that online abuse happened mostly on Facebook at 39 per cent followed by Instagram at 23 per cent.
The report has attributed the growing online abuse to Covid-19 guidelines, including travel restrictions and school closures that have kept millions of girls out of school.
“Girls are spending more time than ever at home and on the internet. Key societal functions are being moved online to prevent the spread of the virus, and it is more vital than ever that girls enjoy full and equal access to opportunities social media and the web have to offer,” the report says.
In the survey conducted online between March and April, over 14,000 young women and girls across 31 countries in multiple continents, including Kenya were interviewed.
Online violence could be a growing problem among children and young adults, according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
A survey by the ministry titled 'Violence Against Children 2019' showed that among women aged 18-24 with a social media account, 22 per cent have also experienced emotional violence by a peer online.
In the same age group, 13 per cent of males with a social media account experienced emotional violence by a peer online or through technology.
“Online violence is an emerging area of concern in Kenya that requires further research on the prevalence, drivers, consequences and evidence-based concerns,” the ministry said.
In the survey report, online violence was linked to the current rise of emotional abuse among children and the youth.
About one third of females and males experienced emotional violence by a peer in the last 12 months.
“Emotional violence, while its effects are not as visible as other forms of violence, was found to be particularly damaging to the mental health of children and youths affected,” Labour CS Simon Chelugui said.
