Teenagers Face Online Harassment Epidemic

Published on 6.1.25

  The rise of social media has brought about numerous benefits, but it also poses significant risks to young users, particularly in countries like Bangladesh where a recent study found that nearly 70% of teenagers experience online harassment on platforms such as Instagram. In June 2019, internal documents revealed that an Instagram report found nearly 2 million minor accounts were recommended to 'groomers' within a three-month period. This staggering number highlights the platform's failure to protect its young users from potential harm. Experts warn that parents' lack of knowledge about online slang and Gen Z language can exacerbate this issue, making it difficult for them to navigate and protect their children's well-being on social media platforms. Meta whistleblower Frances Haugen's internal research revealed that Instagram poses toxic risks to teenage girls' mental health, including thoughts of suicide and eating disorders. The company's failure to address these issues poses significant regulatory, legal, and reputational risk. With 41 US states and the District of Columbia suing Meta over its handling of addictive features that harm young users, it is clear that action must be taken to protect vulnerable populations in countries like Bangladesh where online harassment is a major concern.

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