Sexual harassment and cyber sexism among young people
Cybersexism affects an average of three girls and two boys per class (Centre Hubertine Auclert).
Victim of sexual harassment? Call the toll-free number 3018.
Helpline for victims of digital violence such as sexual harassment and cyber sexism.
Inappropriate or pornographic content is not the only sexual threat to children and adolescents. Online sexual harassment and cyber sexism are also forms of digital violence that need to be recognised and prevented.
What is cybersexism?
According to the website stop-cybersexism.com, Cybersexism is:
- be the target of’insults about her body and/or rumours about her love life on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.); ;
- receive sexually explicit messages that make people uncomfortable; ;
- undergo repeated humiliations by: creating fake accounts, sharing photos without consent and/or intimate videos, posting hurtful comments and/or threats.
This form of cyber violence has serious consequences for victims, who lose confidence in themselves and develop feelings of insecurity and/or exclusion. The devastating effects are further amplified by 24-hour online dissemination.
It is essential to combat these online attacks, which take the form of criticism about physical appearance or romantic relationships.
How can you recognise cybersexism?
Cybersexism does not manifest itself in the same way among girls and boys.
LMore girls are victims of this cyber violence. Two phenomena are often observed:
- the slut-shaming, which consists of socially isolating a young girl because she is perceived as a rival by others, particularly when it comes to her relationships with boys, while mocking her and her physical appearance; ;
- the pornography disclosure, which involves sharing intimate photos or videos without the consent of the person depicted in them for the purpose of revenge.
Among boys, the phenomenon manifests itself more in ostracism., i.e. outright ostracisation, or online lynching intended to ruin the victim's reputation, sometimes accompanied by outright incitement to hatred.
What should you do if you are a victim of cyber sexism or online sexual harassment?
If you are a victim of sexual harassment or cyber sexism, talk to an adult, whether it be a parent, a close family member or a teacher. But whatever happens, do not keep it to yourself.
Whatever the situation, please do not hesitate to contact us. contact on 3018 whether you are the victim, a parent or a witness.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment among young people occurs when someone repeatedly or seriously imposes words, gestures or behaviour of a sexual nature on another person without their consent. This can create an intimidating, embarrassing or humiliating atmosphere.
In France (Labour Code and Criminal Code), it is defined in two ways:
- Repeated remarks or behaviour of a sexual nature that undermine a person's dignity or create an intimidating, hostile or degrading environment.
- Serious pressure, even if not repeated, exerted with the aim of obtaining a sexual act (e.g. sexual blackmail).
Common examples among young people:
- Jokes or comments with sexual connotations in class or on social media; ;
- Unwanted sexual messages, photos or videos; ;
- Pressure to obtain sexual favours or behaviour; ;
- Insistent and disturbing gestures or looks.
Key points to remember:
- Consent is essential: anything that is not wanted may constitute harassment.
- Sexual harassment can occur at school, on the internet or in everyday life.
- It is prohibited and punishable by law.
Talking to a trusted adult (parents, teachers, representative) or a professional can help.
To go further
Need assistance?
Bullying, cyberbullying, revenge porn, webcam blackmail, identity theft, gender-based and sexual violence, exposure to violent and pornographic content, etc., and all issues related to usage (video games, parental controls, account settings, overexposure to screens).
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