Survey reveals that 70% of teenagers witness real-life violence online, raising urgent questions for social media platforms.
Violence on Social Media: A Growing Concern
A staggering 70% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 in England and Wales have encountered real-life violent content online in the past year, according to a new report by the Youth Endowment Fund (YEF). The findings, based on a survey of 10,000 young people, reveal that social media platforms are amplifying the visibility of violent content, including footage of fights, weapons, and gang activity.
Alarmingly, 25% of teens reported that violent content was actively pushed to them through algorithms on features like ‘For You’ feeds and ‘Stories.’ Only 6% actively sought out this content, underscoring the role of platforms in exposing youth to such material.
TikTok and X: Platforms of Concern
TikTok emerged as the most common platform for encountering violent content, with 44% of its teenage users reporting exposure. Though less popular among teens, X ranks second, with 43% of its users experiencing similar content. Other platforms such as Facebook (33%), Snapchat (32%), and Instagram (31%) also contribute significantly to the exposure.
These statistics highlight the critical need for social media companies to regulate algorithm-driven content that promotes violence, as this approach significantly increases exposure risks.
The Nature of Violence Seen
The survey delves deeper into the types of violent content encountered. Over half (56%) of teens reported seeing videos of physical fights, while 35% witnessed content involving weapons. Gang-related material (33%), posts glorifying attacks (29%), and sexually violent threats (27%) further underscore the severity of the issue.
One particularly troubling statistic is that 1 in 9 teens saw content featuring zombie knives or machetes. Among those exposed to weapons-related content, 80% reported feeling less safe in their local communities, and 58% expressed a perception that carrying weapons is normal.
Real-Life Impact
Exposure to online violence has profound offline consequences. Nearly 16% of teens admitted to perpetrating violent acts in the past year, with 64% citing social media as a contributing factor. Online arguments escalating into physical altercations, inflammatory comments, and emboldened behaviour online are among the key triggers.
Jon Yates, CEO of the YEF, stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “Social media companies can no longer pay lip service to the real-life violence that children face on their platforms. This content is not what children want to see, yet most are exposed to it and it’s having an impact.”
Solutions and Strategies
To combat the negative impact of online violence, the YEF advocates for evidence-based approaches, including:
- Social Skills Training: Teaching children techniques to manage impulsiveness and aggression, which can reduce crime involvement by 32%.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helping young people identify and manage negative thoughts, reducing crime involvement by 27%.
YEF Youth Advisory Board member Goutham Lali reflected on the personal impact of exposure to violent content, saying, “Seeing incidents of targeted hate crime on social media… has made me more cautious about the areas I go to and the situations I might avoid.”
A Call for Action
The YEF’s annual Children, Violence and Vulnerability report offers a comprehensive analysis of young people’s experiences with violence, urging social media platforms to take responsibility. By reducing harmful content and prioritising user safety, these companies can play a critical role in safeguarding the mental and physical well-being of children.