Digital Technology’s Role in Gender-Based Violence Cases in Spain
A recent analysis by the Foundation for Aid to Children and Adolescents at Risk (ANAR) highlights the alarming role of digital technology in cases of gender-based violence among Spanish youth. The study, which examined the experiences of over 11,000 children and young people seeking support from ANAR between June 2023 and June 2024, found that digital technologies were involved in 56% of the cases. Specifically, a staggering 77% of gender-based violence incidents were linked to or exacerbated by digital platforms.
The research emerges as the Netflix series Adolescence sparks conversations about safeguarding children from the perils of social media and online radicalization. The series’ creator, alongside others, has suggested potential solutions, such as banning smartphones for minors.
Challenges Faced by Children in the Digital Age
ANAR’s report outlines a range of digital-related issues affecting children, including cyberbullying, screen addiction, online harassment, grooming, and non-consensual sexting. The presence of digital involvement was also noted in cases of children expelled from their homes (64%), psychological abuse (61%), and among those reporting suicidal thoughts or attempts (62%).
Gender Disparities in Digital-Related Issues were apparent, with girls comprising 63.8% of the cases. However, in instances of screen addiction, boys led the statistics at 55%. The age group most impacted was 14-year-olds.
Increasing Complexity in Support Needs
Diana Díaz, the helpline’s director, emphasized the increasing complexity and urgency of the cases, with nearly three-quarters requiring a combination of psychological, legal, and social support. She noted a concerning trend of children facing these issues alone—55% of those analyzed lacked professional support.
‘Growing Suffering’ was highlighted by Benjamín Ballesteros, ANAR’s director and spokesperson, who pointed to the misuse of digital technology as a significant factor. He urged for protective measures, stressing that digital tools should enhance development constructively.
Calls for Comprehensive Action
The research aligns with an Amnesty International survey showing that 73% of UK social media users aged 13-28 had encountered misogynistic content online. It also follows Spain’s cabinet approval of a bill to raise the minimum social media usage age from 14 to 16 and enforce stricter penalties for online grooming and deepfake misuse.
Sonsoles Bartolomé, ANAR’s legal director, called for a multi-faceted approach involving classroom prevention, family support, effective digital regulation, and accountability from tech platforms. She stressed the importance of protecting children’s rights in digital spaces, supported by over 100 recommendations from ANAR.
ANAR’s report concluded with a call for tech companies to uphold ethical design standards and urged families to establish clear internet use guidelines, fostering open communication and active involvement in their children’s online activities.
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