The role of young people in creating safe and inclusive digital spaces was a key topic addressed by UNFPA during International Youth Day 2024. Safe digital technologies can enhance access to quality sexual and reproductive health information and services for adolescents and youth, empowering them to make informed decisions and exercise bodily autonomy.

Also there, young people can easily be exposed to violence, sexual harassment, and hate speech, which can cause devastating consequences on their physical and mental health.

At the Youth Day event in Cahul, about 50 young people participated in the “Click Without Violence” quiz, part of the #Bodyright campaign, designed to address challenges in the virtual world. “We must understand that virtual is real and that we should respect people on social networks as we do in real life”, noted Paula Pusnei, Volunteer, Youth Center Leova

Discussions on digital violence continued at the Youth Festival in Chișinău, organized by the National Youth Council, on 17 August. “It’s not cool to be violent. Get involved in stopping any form of violence," was the message from Cătălin Lungu, the #Bodyright campaign ambassador, who participated in discussion with young people “About Online in Offline”.

“Whenever you feel like engaging in online disputes, remember that behind the screen are people just like you. The best way to discourage the wave of hate is not to comment or like negative comments,” added Catalin. 

Statistics show that 41% of Moldovan adolescents aged 15 - 17 turn to friends rather than adults when facing unpleasant online situations, while every second teenager is exposed to sexual content online (La Strada Study, 2021). These figures underscore the need for youth engagement and education to reduce risks and create a safer online community.

“Think twice before posting hate comments on social media. Consider the emotions and feelings of those you interact with online” reiterated Vasile Cocârlă, a young participant.

Bodyright is a global UNFPA campaign against digital violence. In Moldova, it was launched in November 2023 under the slogan “Without My Consent, It’s Not Your Content,” supported by singer Dara and Cătălin Lungu.