Half of all teenagers suffer online threats

Cases of domestic violence between minors in the province have doubled in just one year, according to figures released by the government offices.

Crimes like coercion and threats, child pornography and abuse are becoming all too commonplace, with the internet playing a significant role, a major concern for security forces today. Half of all children aged between 12 and 18 years old have acknowledged having received threats, coercion, insults or other forms of humiliation including the publication of photographs or videos without consent through social networks.

In addition, two out of 10 teenagers have suffered from controlling partners via the internet. The data, contained in a study by Elche’s University Miguel Hernandez, illustrates the fact that over 40,000 people a year suffer from cyber-bullying in Spain, more than 2,000 of them are children.

The National Police are attempting to do their part by holding talks at schools on the subject in an effort to prevent such regular occurrence; however, officials have noted an increase in child pornography, which is of major concern.

It is estimated that 6 per cent of the abuse suffered via the internet by children is sexually-motivated. It has also been noted that children are using the internet at a far younger age these days, with 40 per cent having their own profile on a social network, which is where most of these types of offences take place. Nine years is the average age at which children are now starting to use the internet.