What role does social media play in violence affecting young people?
2024
What role does social media play in violence affecting young people?
The latest report by the Youth Endowment Fund, Children, Violence, and Vulnerability 2024: What Role Does Social Media Play in Violence Affecting Young People?, sheds light on the alarming prevalence of violence on social media platforms and its profound impact on young people aged 13–17.
Widespread Exposure to Violence
A staggering 70% of teenagers reported encountering real-world violence on social media within the past year. The most common content includes:
Footage of fights (56%),
Threats of physical harm (43%),
Content related to weapons (35%), with 1 in 9 seeing zombie knives or machetes, and
Gang-related material (33%).
Sexually violent content was also reported by over a quarter of respondents (27%). TikTok remains the platform where violent content is most frequently observed, followed by X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Snapchat.
The Real-World Impact of Online Violence
Viewing violent content is not a passive experience for young people—it shapes their perception of safety and influences behaviours:
80% of teenagers exposed to weapon-related content feel less safe in their local communities.
68% are less likely to go outside, while 39% admit being more likely to carry a weapon.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of teenagers who have perpetrated violence say social media played a role, often escalating conflicts initiated online.
These findings reveal how the digital amplification of violence exacerbates fear and normalises behaviours that many young people would otherwise not consider.
The study also highlights young people’s perspectives on limiting access to digital tools. Many believe social media access should come later than smartphones, reflecting concerns about the harmful exposure to online violence. This underscores the need for:
Social media companies to take greater responsibility in restricting violent content, and
Strengthened educational initiatives to help young people navigate digital spaces safely.
This report highlights the critical role youth information workers play in addressing these challenges. By integrating media literacy and safety education into their services, they can better equip young people to navigate the complexities of social media, fostering safer online and offline environments.
To access the full report and explore its findings, visit Youth Endowment Fund’s website.
