A Guide for Parents and Society to Help Young People Navigate the Online World

This guide explores the complex effects of social media on young people, particularly young women and girls, highlighting the challenges they face. It also discusses actionable steps we can take as a society and as parents and guardians to support youth in navigating this complex online world safely and confidently. 

In a world where technology and online spaces are evolving at an alarmingly fast pace, young women and girls find themselves navigating an increasingly challenging social life. 

Unfortunately, this space is filled with unwanted sexual images, harassment, and cyberstalking. Despite the dangers, the fear of missing out (FOMO) keeps many young people on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.  For youth, staying connected online is essential for social interaction and community building. Social media platforms provide a space for self-expression, creativity, and connection with peers, which can be crucial for their development and sense of belonging.

FOMO drives young people to remain active on these platforms, as they fear missing out on important events, trends, and social experiences that their peers engage in.

There is constant pressure to be present and engaged, but it does create a cycle of anxiety that traps them in an online world that can feel overwhelming and makes it difficult to navigate relationships and their futures.  

Findings from a Girlguiding survey reveal alarming statistics: one in five young women and girls reports experiencing online stalking, and over a third have encountered sexual images they did not wish to see. Yet, more than half of 11- to 21-year-olds feel compelled to remain active on social media, driven by the anxiety of missing out on social connections and experiences.

A staggering 85% of survey respondents acknowledged experiencing sexism in their daily lives.

It is crucial to recognize that the challenges young women and girls face online are not their fault, but rather a result of a system that perpetuates sexism and misogyny. 

The Effects of Social Media on Young Women and Girls

While social media affects young people as a whole, its challenges are experienced in disproportionately harmful ways by young women and girls.

This exposure to judgment and comparison fosters feelings of loneliness and erodes confidence, making it even harder for young women and girls to envision a positive future for themselves.

Alarmingly, nearly half (47%) of girls aged 11 to 21 feel that sexism and misogyny diminish their sense of safety—more than double the number who felt this way a decade ago. 

As the social media continues to amplify these pressures and harmful behaviours and attitudes, young women and girls are left grappling with a growing sense of insecurity and isolation, making the path to self-acceptance and empowerment all the more challenging. 

It is critical that we take action against the rising levels of misogyny that threaten the well-being of young women and girls. We must start treating extreme misogyny as a form of extremism and engage in a rapid review of how to effectively address these harmful ideologies.  

How We Can Take Action as a Society

How We Can Take Action as Parents and Guardians

Moving Forward

At Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS), we understand the importance of providing resources tailored to youth and to supporting youth, including information on internet safety and empowerment. We encourage parents, youth workers, teachers and youth to explore our website for valuable resources that can support the young people in your lives.

Together, we can challenge harmful behaviours and social media pressures, ensuring that young people can express themselves, build connections, and thrive in an online world free from harassment and discrimination. By prioritizing their well-being and empowerment, we can help them transform their online experiences into positive opportunities for growth and self-discovery.