Online Threats to Children During War: Research Findings, Real Stories, and New Challenges

A press conference on the topic of online safety for children in wartime was held on May 6. Representatives of government agencies, international embassies, businesses, and public organizations participated in the event. The event presented the results of a large-scale study, discussed new challenges in the digital space, and screened a film that reveals the real threats to children on the Internet.

Research: What is known about the online experience of Ukrainian children

Organizers: civil society organization Dignity Online by #stop_sexting together with the State Education Quality Service, Crown Agents Ukraine and Proinsight Lab.

Participants: 1799 children aged 10–17 from all over Ukraine (except for temporarily occupied territories).

Goal: studying experiences of sexual violence and exploitation online, including new risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence.

Key research findings

• The Internet as part of everyday life: 75% of children spend more than 3 hours online every day.

• TOP 5 platforms: YouTube, Telegram, TikTok, Viber, Instagram.

• Trusting strangers: 8,8% accept all friend requests.

Online sexual violence:

• 20% received messages with sexual overtones.

• 18% met strangers online.

• 13% received intimate photos, 12% received requests to send theirs.

• 3% have already sent their own intimate photos or videos.

Alarming changes: compared to 2020, the number of children willing to meet a stranger has increased from 7% to 20%.

Children's silence: 64% of boys and 55% of girls did not tell anyone about the sexual violence situation.

DUMITRU DIAGA Turcan

How children react to dangers

• Less than half block the abuser.

• 14% seek support or tell adults.

• A third does nothing.

• 3% agree to the abusers' suggestions.

Artificial intelligence is a new tool for criminals

• AI is used to create sexualized fake images.

• Girls are more often attacked through images, boys are blackmailed into meetings.

• Deepfake images are being created that violate dignity and safety.

The impact of military content

• Almost 60% of children consume military content daily or weekly.

• Main reactions: anxiety (45,5%), fear (41,9%), anger (40,1%).

• 40% of children have seen sexual content with strangers.

The film “Protect Us”

A short film produced by the NGO Dignity Online showcases three real-life stories of AI being used to groom children. It is a powerful tool for raising awareness of the scale of the threat and a call to action.

DUMITRU DIAGA Turcan

Panel discussion: is society ready for action?

The panelists discussed:

• the role of education in preventing digital risks;

• how families can help children;

• what the state should do to counter deepfake, blackmail, and grooming;

• business contribution to creating a safe digital environment.

Rebranding: from #stop_sexting to Dignity Online

The organization updated its name to emphasize a broader range of activities, from protecting against sexting to responding to AI threats and information warfare.

Goal: to create an online space in which every child feels dignified and safe.

The results of the study are not the end, but the beginning of systematic work. Protecting children on the Internet requires coordination of efforts by the state, education, business, and civil society. Only together can we create a digital space free of threats and humiliation.