Table of Contents
Learning Objectives #
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- List and explain common forms of Technology-Facilitated GBV (TFGBV).
- Recognize early warning signs that a peer may be experiencing TFGBV.
- Describe the impacts of TFGBV on mental health, academics, and relationships.
- Challenge myths and misconceptions about online violence.
Facilitator Introduction #
We often think that online jokes, memes, or comments are harmless, but sometimes they are a form of violence. Just because it happens online doesn’t make it less serious. We are going to learn how to identify different types of TFGBV, how to notice when a friend may be struggling, and why this kind of violence can affect every part of a young person’s life. We will also bust some common myths that make TFGBV seem ‘normal.
Common Forms of TFGBV #
1. Psychological Abuse #
- Threatening texts, intimidation, and constant online harassment.
- Example: A classmate sends threatening DMs like “If you don’t do what I say, I’ll embarrass you.”
2. Emotional Abuse #
- Humiliation, exclusion from groups, and manipulation.
- Example: Girls in a WhatsApp group suddenly kick out one friend and post memes mocking her.
3. Reputational Abuse #
- Spreading rumors, creating fake accounts, and sharing edited photos.
- Example: A boy creates a fake Instagram account pretending to be a girl from school and posts embarrassing things.
4. Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA) #
- Grooming: an adult pretending to be a teen online.
- Sextortion: blackmail with sexual content.
- Non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
- Example: A stranger on TikTok tells a 14-year-old girl he’ll buy her data bundles if she sends “just one picture.”
Recognizing Warning Signs in Peers #
Signs that a friend or classmate might be facing TFGBV:
- Becomes unusually quiet or withdrawn.
- Suddenly deletes social media accounts.
- Shows anxiety whenever the phone beeps.
- Drops in academic performance.
- Mood changes: sadness, irritability, anger.
- Avoids social gatherings or stops interacting with friends.
Impact of TFGBV #
- Mental Health: Stress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts.
- Academics: Poor concentration, skipping school, declining performance.
- Relationships: Broken friendships, mistrust of peers, tension at home.
Example Scenario: A Form 3 girl starts skipping classes after her classmates share her private photo online. She feels ashamed and thinks everyone is judging her.
Myths and Misconceptions about Online Violence #
- Myth: “It’s just a joke.” -> Truth: Words and memes can traumatize.
- Myth: “If you send nudes, it’s your fault.” -> Truth: Blame lies with the abuser, not the victim.
- Myth: “Online violence is not real violence.” -> Truth: Online abuse causes real pain.
- Myth: “It’s just part of growing up online” -> Truth: TFGBV is serious violence that can cause lasting harm
- Myth: “Victims should just ‘log off’ or ignore it” -> Truth: Digital violence follows victims offline and affects all areas of life
- Myth: “Girls are just being dramatic about online harassment” -> Truth: TFGBV disproportionately affects girls and has serious consequences
- Myth: “If you don’t want harassment, don’t post personal things” -> Truth: Victim-blaming shifts responsibility from perpetrators to survivors
- Myth: “Only girls suffer from online violence.”-> Truth: Boys are also victims.
- Myth: “Online relationships aren’t ‘real’ relationships” -> Truth: Digital relationships can be just as meaningful and harmful as offline ones
Facilitator Notes #
- Encourage participants to share personal experiences only if they feel safe.
- Avoid blaming language- survivors are never responsible.
- Use simple, everyday examples (WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat).
- If any participant discloses a real case, follow the referral protocol immediately.
Key Takeaways (to repeat at the end) #
- “TFGBV can be psychological, emotional, reputational, or sexual exploitation.”
- “Warning signs show us when our friends need help — don’t ignore them.”
- “TFGBV affects the mind, school, and friendships.”
- “Online violence is real violence.”
Memorable Quote for Participants #
“What happens online doesn’t stay online; it affects our hearts and our future.”
