UNESCO Warns of Rising Tech-Facilitated Violence in Schools
A new UNESCO policy brief examines how technology is fueling bullying and abuse among students worldwide.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Education — General
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UNESCO released a policy brief on technology-facilitated violence affecting students worldwide, reporting that one in three students experiences bullying every month and one in ten faces cyber bullying. The agency also launched a process toward a new global recommendation on young people and digital environments.
Why it matters
Nudification apps, voice cloning, automated harassment and AI companion apps used for grooming are appearing in school-based incidents across multiple regions. The findings point to digital tools reshaping how bullying and abuse reach students, both inside and outside the classroom.
UNESCO's cross-country data shows cyber bullying prevalence rose from 12 to 15 percent across 44 countries between 2018 and 2022. Figures for regions outside the surveyed countries remain unclear.
The players
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized UN agency that promotes education, science and culture, and it issued the policy brief and launched the process toward a global recommendation on digital environments.
The details
Girls and boys face bullying at similar overall rates, but girls are more exposed to psychological and cyber bullying, while boys face more physical bullying and violence. Sexual bullying affects both groups at similar rates, though girls are more likely to experience physical sexual violence.
Timeline
- 2018 to 2022: Cyber bullying prevalence rose from 12 to 15 percent in 44 countries.
- November 9, 2026: UNESCO published its policy brief 'Connected and Safe' on technology-facilitated violence.
Culture Shift
UNESCO's policy brief extends its ongoing work toward a new global recommendation on young people and digital environments. The findings show how technology is reshaping the forms bullying takes in schools worldwide.
Parents and educators can watch for changes in a student's online behavior, such as withdrawal from devices or sudden secrecy about messages. Schools may need to review how they respond to incidents involving AI-enabled harassment and grooming.
The takeaway
Watching for shifts in a student's digital habits and treating cyber bullying as seriously as in-person bullying can help catch harm early. Schools and families that discuss emerging tools like voice cloning and AI companion apps are better placed to respond.
Further reading
Explore more on Education — General for context on how schools are responding to these challenges.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Hindu.
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