Social media, power, and control: Addressing digital gender-based violence among adolescents

Digital gender-based violence (DGBV) is a pressing issue that disproportionately affects adolescents, particularly young women. This study examines how digital platforms show gender-based violence, exploring adolescents’ perceptions, experiences, and coping mechanisms. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 242 students (94 males and 148 females) aged 16 from upper secondary schools in Italy. Findings reveal that digital violence, including cyberstalking, sextortion, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, is normalized among adolescents. Boys are more likely to justify or minimize the impact of digital abuse, while girls experience heightened vulnerability and distress. The research also highlights the normalization of controlling behaviors in adolescent relationships, with over 50% of boys and 25% of girls considering phone surveillance by a partner as acceptable. Additionally, perceptions of online abuse differ significantly by gender: while 63.5% of girls equate digital abuse with physical-world violence, only 44.7% of boys share this view. These findings underscore the urgent need for gender-sensitive digital literacy programs in educational institutions. Schools, policymakers, and digital platforms must work together to implement interventions that challenge harmful gender norms, enhance digital safety, and promote respectful online interactions. Addressing DGBV requires a multifaceted approach, integrating education, regulatory policies, and community engagement to foster a safer and more equitable digital environment for adolescents.