Noticias

Digital violence affecting children and adolescents is a growing concern in Bolivia. Data from the S.O.S. Digital Center of the Fundación Internet Bolivia show that between 2023 and 2024, 43% of reported cases involved technology-facilitated sexual abuse.[1]

In response to this reality, Save the Children Bolivia, together with the Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias del Comportamiento (IICC) at Universidad Católica Boliviana, ChildFund, and Global Kids Online, conducted a study on gender gaps and digital violence titled “Navigating Between Invisible Risks and Real Opportunities.” The study highlights differentiated patterns by gender and region.

The findings show that children gain access to the internet at an early age, but not under equal conditions. These gaps widen during adolescence.

• Children begin using the internet during school age (6–11 years), with boys (57%) accessing it earlier than girls (50%).
• 17% of adolescents were pressured to talk about sexual acts online.
• 42% received requests to engage in unwanted sexual acts.
• 25% were forced to send intimate photos or videos.
• 42% received sexual content without consent, affecting girls (17.67%) more than boys (15.17%).
• 3% of adolescent girls received requests for intimate photos without consent (vs. 1.1% of boys).

These figures reveal alarming levels of exposure to unsolicited sexual content, online coercion, and digital abuse dynamics. While both boys and girls use the internet, they do not experience it in the same way: boys tend to gain access at earlier ages, whereas girls face greater vulnerability to technology-facilitated violence, particularly through mobile devices. These harmful experiences pose serious risks not only to physical integrity but also to mental health.

When discussing digital violence, gender matters. According to the study, 49% of boys report feeling safe online, compared to only 41% of adolescent girls.

Until 2024, Bolivia lacked a legal definition of digital violence. In response, Save the Children led an advocacy process with civil society organizations that resulted in the adoption of Law 1636 on the “Protection of the Sexual Integrity of Children and Adolescents in Digital Environments.” Following its approval, and in coordination with the Attorney General’s Office, the National Protocol for Action Against Digital Sexual Violence was developed, standardizing procedures to ensure justice, protection, health, and education.

In parallel, Save the Children and its partner Realidades supported the creation and strengthening of a network of 111 digital activists who lead campaigns, train peers, and promote safer internet use.

Moving forward, it is essential to disseminate Law 1636, raise awareness of reporting pathways, train and sensitize public officials, and strengthen the digital literacy of parents and caregivers to enable active mediation—supporting, educating, and guiding children. Youth digital activism and community engagement are critical to building safer, violence-free digital environments.

[1] https://sosdigital.internetbolivia.org/reporte-2023-2024/