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Image by Berke Citak

Digital Empowerment and Online Safety

Project Unlaced empowers young women to build a confident, healthy relationship with their bodies and themselves. As technology becomes more central to social life, identity formation, and self-expression, it also introduces new risks—many of which disproportionately impact girls and young women.

Why Digital Empowerment Is a Youth Health Issue

Research consistently shows that adolescent girls experience higher rates of:

  • Appearance-based harassment online

  • Sexualized digital abuse

  • Image-related pressure and surveillance

  • Psychological harm tied to social media comparison

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Digital platforms are not neutral. Algorithms and AI tools often reinforce narrow beauty standards and gendered power dynamics. Digital empowerment means having the knowledge and tools to navigate these systems safely and critically.

Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)

Technology-facilitated gender-based violence refers to acts of harm carried out through digital tools or platforms that target individuals based on gender. Technology may enable, intensify, or amplify the abuse.

What To Do If Online Harm Occurs

If someone experiences digital abuse or exploitation:

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  1. Preserve evidence (screenshots, links, timestamps)

  2. Report the content to the platform

  3. Tell a trusted adult, advocate, or organization

  4. Seek specialized support when needed

 

Responsibility always lies with the person causing harm, not the victim.

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