From Screen to Safety: Young People in Myanmar Say No to Digital Violence

Today, young people worldwide, including in Myanmar, spend more time online than ever. Social media, messaging apps, and digital platforms serve as spaces for learning, organising, and connecting—yet they have also become venues where violence and abuse, often with devastating consequences for women and girls. For this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, UNFPA Myanmar is collaborating with youth-led initiatives and organisations to highlight digital violence and amplify the voices of young people who are making changes in their communities. 

Digital violence is real violence

“Digital violence, though it happens online, has effects equal to physical violence. Posting about someone without consent or spreading misinformation can harm them psychologically and also damage their dignity and safety.” – May Thae Htet, Doh Eain

From non-consensual image sharing and doxxing, to online stalking, threats and hate speech, acts of digital violence target women and girls in particular. Harmful behaviours that may be dismissed as “just a joke” or “only online” can leave deep emotional scars and make people feel unsafe in their own homes, schools and communities.

Invisible scars, real consequences

“When someone encounters online violence, they might feel ashamed, fearful, and anxious—constantly fretting over how their information spreads on social media. This can cause intense stress and may develop into trauma or depression. In terms of social impact, a person may isolate themselves, cut off their connections, or face exclusion from their community.” – Alex, Doh Eain

Digital spaces are now woven into daily life in Myanmar—from learning and working, to staying in touch with friends and family across distances and crises. When digital violence forces someone to withdraw from these spaces, it can cut them off from vital information, opportunities and support. The abuse does not end when the screen goes dark; fear, shame and anxiety can follow them into every part of life. 

Young people as drivers of change

Despite these challenges, youth across Myanmar are not bystanders. They are using their knowledge of online platforms to call out harmful behaviour, support peers and promote safer digital spaces.

“When encountering posts that mock women or children on social media, the initial step should be to report this content. Additionally, we can raise awareness by sharing information about the dangers of online violence with those who may not understand, such as older family members or friends, and by promoting digital literacy. If we, as young people, do not take action, we risk becoming passive witnesses to violence.” – Phway, Doh Eain

 

From reporting abusive posts to challenging victim-blaming comments in group chats, small actions can make a big difference. Young activists stress that everyone can play a part—no matter how big or small their platform is.

“To combat digital and online violence, young people don’t have to initiate large-scale actions. Change can start with small adjustments in our attitudes and actions. Apply the 10-second rule: before posting or commenting on social media, pause for ten seconds to think about whether it might harm someone—and then choose whether to proceed.” – May Thae Htet, Doh Eain

This “10-second rule” is a simple tool that anyone can use. Taking a brief pause before sharing content or hitting “send/post” can help prevent harmful rumours, shaming or threats from spreading further—and create a culture of care and responsibility online.

Men and boys as allies

Ending gender-based violence—including in digital spaces—requires everyone’s involvement. Men and boys are stepping forward to challenge harmful norms and promote equality.

“In promoting gender equality and eliminating gender-based violence, one essential element is men’s engagement and participation. Only through collective effort can we achieve our shared goals more quickly.” – Kyaw Zin Hein, Doh Eain

When men and boys speak up against sexist jokes, victim-blaming comments or abusive behaviours online, they help shift the culture. Their voices are crucial in calling out violence among peers, supporting survivors and modelling respectful behaviour.

Standing with survivors

For those who experience violence online or offline, knowing they are believed and not alone is crucial. Youth advocates emphasise the importance of survivor-centred support.

“To support survivors, start by listening with genuine empathy—emotionally and attentively. Believe them. Help prevent the further spread of any information shared. Connect them to psychosocial, physical, or legal support services as needed. Most importantly, always seek the survivor’s consent before taking any action. Stand beside them and work to establish a safe environment.” – Nay Yee – Doh Eain

In Myanmar’s challenging context, safe and trusted support networks—online and offline—are essential. Friends, peers, community volunteers and service providers can all help by listening without judgment, keeping information confidential and connecting survivors to available services, including psychosocial support and legal assistance where possible.

Protecting women and girls online and offline

UNFPA Country Representative for Myanmar, Mr. Jaime Nadal Roig, underscores that what happens on screens is pushing women and girls out of public life.

“Across the world, non-consensual image sharing, doxing, cyberstalking, deepfakes, smear campaigns, sextortion and trafficking scams are being used to silence women and girls. Women and girls with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ communities are especially targeted. These online attacks do not stay online—they spill into harassment and violence offline and push many out of work, school and public life through fear and shame.”

He highlights how UNFPA and partners are responding:

“Together with women-led organisations and youth groups, UNFPA supports gender-based violence prevention and response through Women and Girls Centres, safe spaces and mobile teams that connect survivors to confidential health, legal and psychosocial support. We also provide mental health counselling and case management, and we have launched the Baykin 2 mobile app so adolescents and young people can access life-saving information and better protect themselves from violence, online and offline.”

A call to action: from clicks to change

Digital violence may take place behind screens, but its impact is real. As these youth voices remind us, everyone has a role to play:

• Think before you post or share.
• Report harmful content that targets women, girls or any vulnerable group.
• Share knowledge with friends and family about online safety and respect.
• Believe and support survivors. Respect their consents.
• Engage boys and men as allies in eliminating violence against women and girls.

Youth Voices to end digital violence aganist women and girls

* This story was originally published on the UNFPA Myanmar website.