Digital Injuries are dangers for the protection of human rights and the cohesion of a democratic and peaceful society. They are causing a polarized, less-tolerant and non-empathic society. If they are not addressed, they can lead to acts of exclusion, violence and conflict on a wider scale (cyberbullying, hate speech, hate crime, etc.). The above figures and other alarming key conclusions make us be in an urgent need to address the root causes in order that our youngsters live in a healthy and inclusive environment. To tackle this situation, the project objectives are: Objective 1: To CONNECT our expertise in the identification, prevention, intervention and counteraction of Digital Injuries. Objective 2: To ENGAGE youth workers and youngsters in the inclusive, ethical and responsible use of social media. Objective 3: To EMPOWER youth communities in counteracting Digital Injuries.
In 2019, 94% of young people in the EU-27 used the internet daily, compared to 77% of the overall population. Portugal, Spain, and Italy showed high rates of youth engagement in social media: 95%, 89%, and 72%, respectively. However, the digital realm poses risks; globally, 1 in 3 youths experience cyberbullying. Hate speech is prevalent online, with 38% witnessing it daily on social media. Spain's Ministry of Interior reveals internet (45.2%) and social media (25.9%) as primary mediums for hate speech. In Portugal, 51% of LGBT individuals faced discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Far-right racism is on the rise in Portugal, leading to aggressive attacks. Hate crimes in Spain remain underreported, with only 1 in 10 incidents reported to the police. A significant portion of teens fails to act when witnessing cyberbullying or hate speech, with figures as high as 58% in Italy. These issues are fueled by "Digital Injuries," normalized online behaviors that harm others, leading to mental health problems. Teens in Portugal (22%), Spain (34%), and Italy (11%) report being bothered online. Those affected by Digital Injuries are twice as likely to self-harm.