In a proactive move to address the rising challenges of online violence, UNFPA Moldova launched the #Bodyright campaign, equipping hundreds of young men and women across the Republic of Moldova with essential skills to protect themselves in the digital space.
Throughout the initiative, seven educational institutions nationwide served as platforms for engaging activities, including games and debates, all geared towards preventing online violence. These efforts were integral parts of the #Bodyright Campaign, designed to raise awareness about the perils of the virtual space and effective strategies to combat online harassment.
The #Bodyright campaign is a global movement against digital violence, and UNFPA Moldova's involvement underscores its commitment to addressing this issue. The organization seeks to advocate for a violence-free online environment, urging policymakers, IT companies, and community leaders to promote measures that protect individuals in the virtual realm.
The last of seven outreach events of the #Bodyright campaign took place at the "Mihai Eminescu" high school in the city of Drochia. Almost a hundred high school students participated in the "Click without violence" quiz game. This is an intellectual game designed specifically to identify answers to challenges that may arise in the online environment.
"I learned from a young age that it is not good to laugh at someone's pain. With the development of information technologies we understand that virtual violence can cause suffering just like the real one. It is everyone's duty to make the world more sensitive to these pains. With the help of young men and women, we started a process of attitude change and I am glad that I found in their ranks a lot of passion, will and commitment to make the world better", said Karina Nersesyan, UNFPA Moldova Resident Representative.
Since its launch five months ago, the #Bodyright campaign has garnered support from numerous partners, united by their dedication to combatting digital violence. The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova has taken on a proactive role in promoting online rights, exemplified by Marina Morozova, vice-president of the Parliamentary Commission for Social Protection, Health, and Family, who voiced solidarity with the youth during the event in Drochia.
"It has already become a habit that the first thing we do in the morning is not to forget our phone. The first contact with the day may not make us happy, but it may not spoil us for the whole day. Today young people need more knowledge to deal with violence in the virtual space where they can face more problems. Our duty is to stand in solidarity with them to reduce the effects of online violence and harassment", said the Parliament Member.
Today in the schools of the Republic of Moldova, students discuss forms of online violence in leadership, life education or personal development classes. The young generation navigates more in the virtual space, which makes them even more vulnerable to the challenges there, believes Sergiu Vrabie, director of the "Mihai Eminescu" high school in the city of Drochia.
"Our students are ready to learn more about the dangers of online violence, but also to share their knowledge with their peers across the country. Online safety is a very sensitive subject and must be mastered by all generations, but especially by young people because they are more exposed to online violence", said Sergiu Vrabie.
The #bodyright campaign was also supported by the International Center La Strada Moldova. The organization has ten years of experience in combating violence, including online violence, and has provided assistance to thousands of victims of bullying. Present at the meeting with the students from Drochia, Veronica Maevschi, director of the Center's children's program, told those present that the Internet is a space full of challenges.
"La Strada Center has created several platforms where young people can find useful information to be protected. Today the Internet offers us unlimited advantages for development and socialization, but this space is also a huge source of challenges. Bodyright is a platform with the help of which young people learn more about online violence and, most importantly, how to protect themselves against these evils", Veronica Maevschi addressed those present.
The students who participated in the outreach event learned about the forms of online violence and identified different responses to concrete situations they may face in the virtual space. After the meeting with the UNFPA Moldova team, they were more prepared to surf the Internet safely.
"Online safety to me means a space without the fear of being offended or harassed by someone. Unfortunately, I learned what bullying is and now I still carry the scar in my soul. At school we discuss online violence, but we don't have the courage to delve into this topic. Today we learned more about bodyright and understood how to protect ourselves against online violence, it takes more courage", said Ina Strîmba, 10th-grade student.
"Online violence is very dangerous. Even though bullying can be fun for some, this form of aggression can affect many young people. To feel safe online it is good to follow some safety rules. Let's have private accounts on social networks, let's not accept as friends people we don't know and especially fake accounts. If we ended up being harassed by someone, then it's good to report this problem", said Vasilii Ciumac, 12th-grade student.
A recent study initiated by the International Center La Strada revealed alarming statistics regarding digital violence in the Republic of Moldova. In 2021, 20 percent of adolescents reported being victims of cyberbullying, marking an increase from 17% in 2018. The study also found that boys are disproportionately affected by digital violence and are more likely to engage in online bullying than girls.
