Violence and the Internet: Why It's Not Just "Jokes on the Phone"

It's hard to imagine the lives of modern teenagers without the Internet: they make friends, fall in love, seek support, make mistakes, and grow up there.

According to Proinsight Lab, 75.1% of children and teenagers spend more than three hours online every day, and almost one in three (33.5%) use the Internet for more than seven hours a day.

However, online violence often goes unnoticed—it leaves no bruises, doesn't always look like a direct threat, and is often disguised as "just a joke," "flirting," or "normal communication."

As part of the "Your Support" foundation's campaign against violence, we explain what online violence can look like, how adults can react, and where to seek help.

What are the most common threats on the Internet?

Cyberbullying

These can include insults, threats, humiliating jokes, sharing unpleasant photos or comments, unwanted messages, or demands to do something that the person does not want to do—even of a sexual nature.

This happens not just once, but constantly or regularly, and because of this, a child or teenager may experience severe stress, shame, fear, or even a threat of physical danger.

Cyberstalking

Intentional and regular "harassment" of a child online to make them feel fear or lose their sense of security.

This can look like: annoying or threatening messages, unwanted emails, publication of intimate photos or videos, constant monitoring of a person's profiles, comments, and movements.

The main goal is to intimidate and control, so that the victim feels anxious and unsafe even in everyday life.

Sexting

Exchanging intimate messages or images. In adolescence, this is often seen as part of a relationship or a way to be "accepted." But any such content can be used against a child — without their consent.

Grooming

When an adult or older teenager gradually builds trust, support, and emotional intimacy to eventually entice a child into sexualized interaction. This often looks like "a friend who understands me."

Sextortion (blackmail)

One of the most dangerous scenarios is threats to spread intimate photos or videos with the demand to send new materials, money, or perform certain actions. This is where children are most often left alone with fear and shame.

Doxing

This is when someone intentionally collects and publicly shares a person's private information without their consent. This could include a home address, phone number, photos, relatives' information, or other private information that was not meant to be seen by outsiders.

Data is collected in various ways: by searching open sources, social networks, hacking accounts, or manipulating a person to obtain the necessary information. This is done to scare, harm, humiliate, or blackmail a person. Sometimes, it's to incite others to persecute the victim in real life.

"Today, digital safety has become as basic a need for a child as physical safety," emphasizes Valeriia Tatarchuk, founder of the "Tvoya Opora" charitable foundation. "Children and teenagers spend a huge part of their days online, and our task as adults is to teach them not only how to use technology but also to understand the risks, notice alarming signals, and know that they will not be left alone if something goes wrong."

What are the most common requests for help right now?

According to the NGO Dignity Online, in 2025, the psychological helpline most frequently received inquiries regarding blackmail through the dissemination of intimate photos or extortion for the creation of such content; cases of cyberbullying; inquiries about the impact of the internet on mental health, viewing pornography, excessive time online, increased anxiety due to content, decreased self-esteem, and suicidal intentions.

Compared to 2024, the number of reports specifically regarding sextortion (blackmail) and cyberbullying has significantly increased.

Another important change is that children themselves are reaching out more often, not just parents or educators. This means there is a demand for support, but it requires accessible and safe channels.

One of the newest online risks that has emerged since the beginning of the war is also being highlighted: the involvement of Ukrainian children in committing war crimes. Telegram serves as a platform for such operations due to its anonymity and lack of adult supervision.

"According to law enforcement agencies, 171 cases of child recruitment were recorded by September 2025. The enemy's goal is to use children for intelligence gathering, sabotage, spreading propaganda, committing cybercrimes, and even carrying out terrorist attacks," says Anastasia Dyakova, founder of the public organization Dignity Online (by #stop_sexтинг), and advisor on online human safety to the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine from 2019-2021.

What can adults do to protect teenagers online?

Digital safety is not about prohibitions. It's about relationships.

Adhere to age restrictions. Most social media platforms and apps are intended for children aged 13 and over – this is not a formality, but a protective measure.

Don't take away gadgets — teach how to use them. Online life is part of a child's reality. A ban rarely works, but joint learning does.

Be interested in the content. Ask what your child is watching, who they like, and what topics they are drawn to.

Agree on the rules. For example: "No phones during meals" or "At night, gadgets are charged outside the bedrooms."

Maintain a balance between online and offline. A safe guideline is 2–3 hours per day.

Be on the child's side. If there is support at home, there is less chance of seeking it from random people on the internet.

Talk about online safety regularly. As naturally as you would about traffic rules.

Remember: the presence of an adult is the main protective factor. No filters can replace genuine attention and conversations.

Where to go for help