The digital world moves fast. For all of its benefits, there are also risks, so we want to keep you informed about an online safety issue that is on the rise.

Sexual extortion – commonly known as 'sextortion' – is a serious offense, but you can avoid being a target and understand what to do if you encounter it. 

If you can spare a few minutes to read this blog, you’ll know:

If you’re already in a situation you want to get out of, it’s important to stay calm, because it’s not too late – and help is available. 

Please share this blog with your friends and let them know that you’ve got their back if it happens to them.

In this blog, we provide guidance on the following:

What is Yubo doing to help protect young people?

Anyone can become victims of this crime – adults, kids, or teens. Among minors, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) describes it as: “a form of child sexual exploitation where children are threatened or blackmailed, most often with the possibility of sharing with the public nude or sexual images of them, by a person who demands additional sexual content, sexual activity or money.”


Oftentimes, this crime plays out with perpetrators working to persuade someone, including young people, to send them sexually suggestive or explicit photos. Upon receipt, perpetrators threaten to publicize the content unless the user sends them money. In some cases, they continue to extort victims for money even once an initial sum has been paid. 

Being scammed and exploited in this way can be really stressful and traumatic. You might feel:

Perpetrators of this kind of offense are often extremely aggressive, so you might be scared about what will happen if you don’t agree to their demands and pay the money they’re asking for. 


You might also worry that you’ll get into trouble if you tell anyone what’s happening. 


Try to remember that this isn’t your fault and that you’re not alone. It’s important to report scenarios you encounter online that make you uncomfortable, especially those involving extortion.

There has been a dramatic increase in reports of sextortion in recent years. 

In 2023, 186,819 reports received by NCMEC’s CyberTipline were about online enticement (the category that includes sextortion), up from 80,524 reports in 2022. 

Recent research has revealed that cybercriminal groups are behind many cases of sextortion. And while criminals target people of any gender or age, teenage boys are increasingly becoming the most commonly targeted victims of financial sextortion. 

In an interview with CBS News, John Shehan, NCMEC Vice President and Yubo Safety Advisory Board member, said, “Boys are typically targeted because they are more willing to engage in riskier behavior. … They are enticed very quickly [as] they believe they are talking to an attractive female online.” 

John encourages victims to speak up and ask for help – for example, by reporting incidents to the social media provider or through NCMEC’s CyberTipline at https://report.cybertip.org/reporting.

It's Called Sextortion

A stranger (often pretending to be a teenager) or someone you know contacts you on social media, a gaming platform, or a dating app and asks you to share an intimate photo or video, send a sexual message, or do something sexual in a live chat. 


Once you have shared this with them, they might threaten to hurt you, pass it on to your family, friends, and followers, or make it go viral unless you do something for them, such as send money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, or share more images.

It’s important to understand that sextortion can begin in many different ways, including:

Catfishing/Scamming: Someone sends you a message from a fake social media account. They share an intimate image of themselves (that might be stolen from someone else or created using AI) and ask you to share one back

Grooming: Someone spends time building a friendship or relationship with you online so that you start to trust them and feel OK about sharing intimate messages and images

Hacking: Someone claims to have hacked your device or account and found intimate images of you (they might have hacked it or they might just be saying they have hacked it)

Revenge: A former partner who wants to reconcile or humiliate you gets in touch to say they are going to publish intimate images that you had previously sent to them or allowed them to take.

Editing: Someone contacts you and threatens to create inappropriate images of you using digital editing tools or AI

To make the Yubo community as safe and respectful as possible, everyone has to agree to our Community Guidelines when signing up. We do not allow sexual content or sexually explicit comments and discussions in Lives, and we do not tolerate sexual harassment and unwanted sexual advances towards other Yubo users. (You can find out more about what we’re doing to help protect young people in point #6 below).

The LSE’s ySKILLS project has found that young people feel proud of what they can cope with online but may also feel alone when dealing with difficult situations, especially if they are the target of attention aimed at harming them. 

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Richard Graham, a member of the Yubo Safety Advisory Board, notes that, “There are many positives to being free to navigate the digital world on your own but what young people also seem to want is that one person – perhaps a parent or teacher – who can help them make sense of what’s going on.” 

To help protect yourself from sextortion, we recommend that you look out for the following red flags:

Follows, friend requests, and messages from people you don’t really know (even if they seem to know people in your friends’ social networks)

A new online contact becoming overly friendly and quickly pressuring you for personal information or images

Someone contacting you on one platform and asking you to move to a private video chat or a messaging app

Things that don’t add up (e.g. their online profile doesn’t match them or they’re friendly one minute and making you feel bad the next)

Claims that seem too good to be true (e.g. when someone says they work for a modeling agency)

Promises of reciprocation (e.g. “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours”)

Read the online safety advice on your social media provider’s website (you can find lots of advice about Yubo in our Safety Hub)

Trust your instincts – if something feels weird or wrong, it probably is

Use reverse image search to check if someone online is who they say they are (you can find instructions on how to do a reverse image search here)

Say ‘no’ if you ever feel uncomfortable sharing a photo or video with someone

Talk to a friend or an adult you trust if you’re worried about anything that’s going on online

Block anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable online 

Stop Sextortion | Thorn

5. What should I do if this happens to me?

Even if you made a choice that you now regret, remember that it’s the person extorting you who is committing the crime – you’ve done nothing wrong. The good news is that, if you don’t pay up, the perpetrator is likely to lose interest and stop contacting you.

Here are some practical steps you can take:

Stop all contact with the person who is threatening you

Don’t share any more images with them or give them any more money 

If you’ve already sent money to them, try to cancel the payment transfer

If you can, gather evidence of your interactions with the person (take screenshots, for example) – don’t block them until you have this evidence as they might delete their profile or messages

Sextortion - 7 things you should know

Meet Alexandre Euverte, our Data Protection Officer

Yubo, a leading social discovery app, stands out in the digital space by connecting users in real-time based on shared interests, fostering genuine friendships. However, in the online world, safety is crucial. This introduction explores how Yubo prioritizes safety for its diverse user base, particularly focusing on the younger generation, Gen Z.

In the dynamic landscape of Yubo, where connections thrive in real-time among 80 million users worldwide, our commitment to safety and privacy remains unwavering. Focused on fostering genuine friendships, Yubo stands out as a leading Social Discovery app, with a core user base aged between 18 and 25 years.

In our commitment to safety, Yubo employs various measures. From strict age assurance to advanced moderation to tackle fraudulent accounts, we take a layered approach. We also separate users by age groups, mirroring real-life interactions and limiting interactions between different age ranges.

Our safety efforts extend to 24/7 human moderation supported by AI algorithms. Live content, like audio and video streams, undergoes real-time moderation through reporting and intervention. The default activation of ‘SAFE’ mode and content filtering ensures a secure environment for users.

Yubo's age verification involves users taking a real-time photo during registration, verified against the provided age. This, coupled with identity verification (in case of serious safety risk), ensures a 98.9% accuracy rate in determining user age.

Yubo's commitment to user safety combines advanced technologies, vigilant human moderation, and user-centric features. As a pioneer in real-time moderation, Yubo continues to enhance safety measures, setting industry standards for online safety innovation.

Data Protection Officer, a pivotal role for Yubo

As Yubo forges ahead in setting industry standards for online safety innovation, the role of Alexandre Euverte, our Data Protection Officer, becomes increasingly important. In an era where real-time connections on social platforms like Yubo are paramount, the emphasis on user safety, privacy, and compliance is evident. 

Yubo Life - Meet Alexandre Euverte, Data Protection Officer

The right to privacy is essential in an online environment such as a social network, where users express their freedom of expression by sharing content and information that is often related to their image, interests and private lives. 

At Yubo we have appointed a Data Protection Officer to spread a culture of privacy protection throughout the company and to ensure that personal data is used in compliance with the law.

Alexandre’s primary mission revolves around fortifying the privacy and safety of Yubo's users while supporting the company's growth and innovation. 

Before joining Yubo, Alexandre honed his skills advising tech platforms, guiding them in implementing robust data privacy programs, in compliance with French and European regulations, and handling litigation related to privacy and cybersecurity. 

His role as the Data Protection Officer underscores Yubo's commitment to user privacy, security, and adherence to global compliance standards. By setting industry standards, Yubo ensures a secure space for its dynamic audience, allowing users to express themselves freely with confidence in the protection of their data. 

Collaborating closely with the tech, product, and trust & safety teams, Alexandre is instrumental in implementing robust data privacy programs and policies. He actively enforces privacy rights, whilst combating unlawful activities, creates educational content to ensure transparency for everyone on the platform, and ensures compliance with various laws and regulations governing user privacy, user-generated content, consumer rights, artificial intelligence, etc.

Yubo's proactive stance on privacy is setting industry standards

In conclusion, Yubo, as a leading Social Discovery app with a global user base of 80 million, remains steadfast in its commitment to user safety and privacy. This dedication is particularly crucial given the real-time nature of connections on our platform, emphasizing our focus on fostering genuine friendships, especially among the younger demographic, Gen Z.

With a proactive stance on privacy enforcement, Yubo is making every effort to set industry standards for online safety innovation. We continually push boundaries to ensure that user safety remains a cornerstone of our platform without compromising the right to privacy. 

Learn more about Yubo's commitment to privacy on www.yubo.live 

Alexandre Euverte’s primary mission revolves around fortifying the privacy, safety, and well-being of Yubo's users while supporting the company's growth and innovation. His expertise ensures that Yubo not only prioritizes safety for its diverse user base but also remains at the forefront of implementing advanced technologies and user-centric features to enhance online security. His role as the Data Protection Officer underscores Yubo's commitment to user privacy, security, and adherence to global compliance standards. By setting industry standards, Yubo ensures a secure space for its dynamic audience, allowing users to express themselves freely with confidence in the protection of their data. 

 Stay Fresh and Safe: Gen Z Tips for Navigating the Social Media Jungle! 

Hello Yubo Fam! Welcome aboard the Yubo adventure, where safety, diversity, and fun come together to create an incredible online experience. With over 80 million users worldwide, Yubo is not just an app; it's where the fun comes to life! Ready to slay the social media game while keeping it 100% secure? 

Two Paths to Friendship: Swipe and Livestream

At Yubo, making new friends is as easy as swiping right! Add tags, emojis, and media to your profile to showcase who you truly are. Swipe right on those you want to chat with, and if the feeling is mutual, the conversation begins!

And of course, there are livestreams! Explore live streams based on your interests, language, or title. You can be a viewer or even become a streamer with your own virtual circle of friends.

At Yubo, your privacy is paramount. Remember to never share personal details like phone numbers or addresses. Check out our detailed guide below. Concerning location, we respect your choice. When you download the app, decide if you want to share your location or not. Users can opt for sharing only their country or city, making connections with friends. Your safety is our priority at Yubo.

Yubo Basics - How to Hide Your City

Yubo places security at the core of its commitment. Our recent collaboration with Yoti has implemented an advanced age verification process, ensuring that 100% of our users are verified. One more step towards protection against fake profiles and harmful behaviors.

The safety of young users is paramount at Yubo. Strict guidelines, a team of 24/7 security specialists, and real-time interventions ensure a safe environment. Our proactive approach also includes an Independent Safety Advisory Board and partnerships with NGOs and digital security authorities.

At Yubo, we believe in inclusion and respect. Our Community Guidelines set the standards for promoting a friendly environment. From age verification to protection against discrimination, our commitment to human rights guides our actions every day.

Violation of our Community Guidelines results in appropriate actions. From warnings to temporary or permanent suspension, we act based on the severity of the violation. Our transparency report provides a detailed insight into the actions taken to enforce these rules.

   - Keep it low-key with the personal info you drop.

   - Set those privacy settings to VIP mode.

   - Only vibe with peeps you actually know.

   - Side-eye profiles with no friends or activity.

   - Flex those brain muscles with strong, unique passwords.

   - Don't be caught slipping with the same password everywhere.

   - Before you spill the tea, think twice.

   - Keep your location on the down-low, no GPS oversharing.

   - Follow those privacy settings like a pro.

   - Adjust as needed to match your vibe.

   - Don't get played—avoid unknown links.

   - Watch out for shady emails or DM phishing schemes.

   - Verify any sketchy messages before taking the bait.

   - Add that extra layer of protection with two-factor authentication.

   - Keep your friend list tight and right.

   - Declutter and block any vibes that feel off.

   - Snitch on strange behavior to the platform.

   - Help keep our online playground safe and sound.

At Yubo, we are committed to creating an online community where fun coexists with safety. Let's protect ourselves, follow the rules, and make Yubo a digital space where everyone can be themselves without compromising safety and privacy.

Ready to create a Yubo experience where safety and inclusion go hand in hand? Join us and let's together contribute to creating a Yubo that's safer and more connected than ever!

Stay Fresh and Safe: Gen Z Tips for Navigating the Social Media Jungle!

Power Up Your Yubo Experience with Turbo Mode and Premium Features

Hey Yubo Fam! Ready for an awesome time? You're in the right place.

Yubo isn't just an app; it's where the fun happens! With over 80 million users worldwide, we're the ultimate hangout for Gen Z. Imagine live streams, and shared interests all for free on the App Store and Google Play.

At Yubo, we're all about good vibes and safety vibes. We've got your back with the best safety features, making this space your positive zone.

Guess what makes us awesome? You! Thanks to your love for Yubo, we've become THE place to be. Spread the word and let's grow together!

Now, let's talk about Turbo Mode!  Imagine supercharging your Yubo adventure – that's Turbo Mode for you! More connections, more fun – it's a game-changer. And hey, today's all about Turbo, but remember, Yubo has lots more cool stuff waiting to be explored!

So, get ready for a Turbo Mode journey like no other. Your Yubo adventure is about to get an upgrade – let's dive in and turbocharge those connections.

Daily Automatic Launch: Experience the convenience of a daily Turbo, strategically launched at peak times each day.

Notification Alert: Stay in control with a pre-launch notification, allowing you to log in and maximize your swiping potential.

Effortless Matching: Sit back, relax, and let Turbo Mode do the work while you discover meaningful connections at your own pace.

Activate Turbo mode #turbomode #yubo #yubofeatures

Perfect Timing Turbo Mode ensures your Turbos are launched at peak times, significantly boosting your chances of connecting with interesting people.

Flexibility: Whether you actively participate during the Turbo launch or prefer a hands-off approach, Turbo Mode adapts to your preferences.

Yubo's Premium Features: How to access premium features and Turbo Mode? Follow these simple steps:

2. Tap your Profile icon on the top right of the screen

Receive 1 free Turbo, Boost, and Spotlight per week

For Elite Pack (Includes all Power Pack perks and):

Spotlight Messages to connect with new people

YuBucks - Your Currency for Premium Powers

What are YuBucks? Yubo's currency for acquiring premium powers like Boosts, Spotlights, Turbos, Pixels, and Fast-Adds.

How to Purchase YuBucks: Conveniently purchase YuBucks directly through the app to enjoy premium powers.

Earning YuBucks: Receive YuBucks by receiving Pixels, allowing you to spend them on your favorite Yubo powers.

Spotlights: Feature your profile at the top of the online section for increased visibility.

Boosts: Push your live to the top of the lives feed, ensuring more visibility to users.

Turbos: Boost your profile on Swipe, increasing your visibility for quick connections.

Embrace the power of Turbo Mode and Yubo's premium features. 

Subscribe today and elevate your Yubo journey to a whole new level!

Yubo isn't just an app; it's where the fun happens! With over 80 million users worldwide, we're the ultimate hangout for Gen Z. Imagine live streams, and shared interests all for free on the App Store and Google Play.

At Yubo, we're all about good vibes and safety vibes. We've got your back with the best safety features, making this space your positive zone.

Guess what makes us awesome? You! Thanks to your love for Yubo, we've become THE place to be. Spread the word and let's grow together!

Now, let's talk about Turbo Mode!  Imagine supercharging your Yubo adventure – that's Turbo Mode for you! More connections, more fun – it's a game-changer. And hey, today's all about Turbo, but remember, Yubo has lots more cool stuff waiting to be explored!

So, get ready for a Turbo Mode journey like no other. Your Yubo adventure is about to get an upgrade – let's dive in and turbocharge those connections!

Power Up Your Yubo Experience with Turbo Mode

As we approach 2024, Gen Z is gearing up for a celebration with a digital twist, adding some flair to their festivities with Yubo. 

Gen Z is turning to Yubo to elevate their celebrations. From virtual gatherings to live-streaming events, Yubo is definitely the go-to platform for welcoming the New Year. Yubo's real-time connectivity transforms screens into dynamic windows connecting friends in a way that's both cool and communal.

Yubo isn't just an app; it's like a digital playground where young people can show off their creative side. Cool challenges on Yubo make users share their New Year goals live, and fun filters turn regular videos into exciting, festive shows. When you mix Yubo into your New Year plans, it's like adding a digital spark to your creativity. Yubo makes sure meeting new friends and finding cool holiday content is a unique and fun experience that everyone can enjoy.

Let's talk resolutions, Gen Z style for 2024. 

Gen Z is not only fine-tuning their Yubo profiles but also optimizing their daily lives from privacy settings to screen resolutions, it's all about that chill upgrade.

Now, speaking of upgrades, how about a DigitalDetox?

Digital detox is all about consciously stepping away from screens and electronic devices for a set period. The goal? To dial down the stress, boost mindfulness, and amp up well-being by taking a break from the constant digital buzz. Whether it's just a few hours, a day, a weekend, or even longer – digital detox is your ticket to pause and engage in meaningful, offline activities. 

Think: soaking up nature, enjoying face-to-face chats, diving into a good book, or just practicing some good old mindfulness. It's a response to modern digital dependence, a way to kick back, reset, and build a healthier relationship with the digital world. Gen Z is thinking about kicking back and taking breaks to maintain that balance between the virtual and the real world. It's like hitting the refresh button on their digital habits.

And let's not forget about that Positive Influence. Gen Z is using its social impact on Yubo and beyond to spread positive vibes and engage in meaningful conversations.

So, by juggling on Yubo while maintaining positive vibes online, Gen Z is setting the stage for a laid-back and positive 2024. 

Let's kick off the virtual party and make every "move" on Yubo count for a memorable New Year!

Gen Z is gearing up for a Yubo-style New Year celebration, transforming screens into dynamic Yubo windows for virtual gatherings and real-time connectivity. Yubo, the social discovery app, and ultimate digital playground, sparks creativity with Yubo challenges and festive filters, making New Year's goals a live Yubo showcase. Beyond profile optimization, Gen Z embraces Yubo for a Digital Detox, balancing Yubo screen time with offline activities. Leveraging Yubo's positive influence, they spread good vibes and engage in meaningful Yubo conversations, setting the stage for a laid-back and Yubo-centric 2024.

Yubo Rolling into 2024 With the Gen Z

Yubo Rolling into 2024 With Gen Z

#Unboxing Online Safety: Yubo Partners with Internet Matters for a Festive Campaign

This holiday season, Yubo is delighted to announce its partnership with Internet Matters, a London-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing child internet safety advice to parents, caregivers, and professionals.Yubo is supporting the #Unboxing Online Safety campaign, a special initiative aimed at providing practical advice to foster better online safety habits in kids and teens, as they look forward to receiving and enjoying new devices and gadgets that expand their access to online communities. 

During the holiday season, from 11th December, Internet Matters will present a daily online safety tip for parents through a festive Digital Calendar. Yubo, as Internet Matters partner, contributed expert insights on maintaining open communication and effective supervision of children's device usage.

To add excitement to the campaign, there’s the chance to win a range of great prizes including a brand-new Apple iPad supplied by Yubo. By participating in the campaign, parents not only gain valuable insights into online safety but also stand a chance to unwrap a nice tech gift.

To kick off the #FestiveFortnight, Internet Matters is unboxing the crucial question: 'What makes an online friend?' In a world where children interact with multiple individuals online, it's essential for parents to initiate conversations with their kids about the qualities of a true friend. 

1. Talk with them about what it means to be a friend: Explain that online friendships, just like offline friendships, are respectful and filled with trust and kindness.

2. Explain the difference between an online friend and an offline friend: The information we share with our friends from school will be much different than what we share with friends online. Help them understand what should stay private.

3. Ask them to show you their favourite apps and sites: Explore the communication options and safety features, and what they can do if their online friend isn't treating them in positive ways.

The campaign emphasizes the importance of respect, trust, and kindness in online friendships, mirroring the values of offline connections.

This collaborative effort between Yubo and Internet Matters aims to empower parents with the knowledge and tools to ensure their children's online experiences are secure, enjoyable, and educational. Follow the #Unboxing Online Safety campaign for daily tips and the opportunity to win fantastic prizes. Let's make this holiday season not only festive but also safe and responsible for our young digital explorers.

To learn more about Internet Matters and the campaign, visit the Internet Matters website.

Happy holidays from Yubo and Internet Matters! 

Yubo partners with Internet Matters for a festive #UnboxingOnlineSafety campaign. Daily tips, including insights from Yubo, focus on open communication and supervision for kids with new devices. The Festive Fortnight starts with 'What makes an online friend?' Teach kids about respect, trust, and kindness. Follow #UnboxingOnlineSafety for tips and a chance to win. Happy holidays from Yubo and Internet Matters!

Unwrapping Online Safety: Yubo Partners with Internet Matters for a Festive Campaign

Alex Holmes is Deputy CEO of the Diana Award and a member of the Yubo Safety Board. Having experienced bullying as a child, he founded a peer-to-peer support programme called Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, which has trained more than 50,000 students in over 5,000 schools in the UK and Ireland. Alex sits on the global safety advisory boards of several social media companies and is an advisor to the UK Government.

Bullying and hate speech: Q&A with Alex Holmes

At this time of year, there is a huge global focus on the prevention of bullying. National Bullying Prevention Month took place in the USA in October, UNESCO held its International Day against Violence and Bullying at School Including Cyberbullying on 2 November and the Anti-Bullying Alliance coordinated Anti-Bullying Week in the UK (13-17 November) with the theme of ‘make a noise about bullying’.

Bullying can take place in real life (e.g. at home or at school) and online (e.g. on social media or messaging apps). It can also take different forms, including physical bullying (e.g. shoving or hitting someone), emotional bullying (e.g. spreading lies or excluding someone from a friendship group), verbal bullying (e.g. calling someone nasty names or making threats) and prejudicial bullying (e.g. targeting someone because of their race, religion or sexual orientation).

Yubo works hard to protect its users from online bullying so, to mark Anti-Bullying Week UK (#AntiBullyingWeek), we’re publishing this interview with UK-based anti-bullying expert Alex Holmes who sits on the Yubo Safety Board. This is the second in our series of articles about the current state of online safety (you can read the first article here).

Thanks for your time, Alex, Could you start by telling us a little about the extent of bullying amongst young people – in particular, online bullying?

We know from research by the Oxford Internet Institute (OII) and other organisations that face-to-face bullying is more common than online bullying. 

For example, the latest study by the Anti-Bullying Alliance shows that almost one in four children in the UK (23%) are bullied frequently in person compared to one in 20 children (5%) who are bullied frequently online. According to a survey by the Office for National Statistics (UK), being called names, sworn at or insulted and receiving nasty messages are the most common online bullying behaviours.  

Our own research at the Diana Award last September revealed that 65% of children in the UK were scared of going back to school because they have been bullied. 

These kinds of numbers are alarming so our organisation works with young people, parents and teachers to change the attitudes, behaviour and culture of bullying. Because online bullying often starts with bullying at school (and children spend 11,000 hours of their life in school), we always look at the big picture.

How does the Diana Award help young people to deal with online bullying and hate speech?

Young people might see racist, misogynist or other negative comments on social media and not have the skills to handle the situation or know how to report it. This is a real challenge, especially if the person who made the post has clout within their peer group. And even if a social media provider bans someone for hate speech, the community members may still share their content. 

Our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors programme at the Diana Award helps to tackle bullying behaviour in school and our Respect project helps students to understand what racist and sexual bullying behaviour is and to design in-school campaigns to combat it. 

Do you have any tips for young people who experience negativity, hate or bullying?

Don't join in or add negativity: Don't like, comment or add to the drama. Don't fuel the fire or fan the flames!

Offer your support or a kind word: If you feel OK and brave, challenge the negativity by adding some positive words or calling it out.

Reach out to the person on the receiving end – your support could mean the world to them.

Use the report button: Reporting is supporting! Don't forget to help make the platform a safer and happier place by reporting any harmful behavior.

Take a break: Being online can be tough. Take 10 minutes, go for a walk, speak to a friend or relative about what went down.

For specific tips about dealing with racist bullying, this article I did with the BBC might be helpful, and, if you’re a young person in the UK who needs support, please contact the Diana Award Advice Messenger (text DA to 85258).

What has had the greatest impact on online bullying and hate speech in recent years?

Although the COVID-19 lockdown provided an escape from the playground drama, online bullying still took place. As screen time (for e.g. schoolwork and gaming) and the frequency of online contact (for e.g. messaging and video chats) went up, digital boundaries became blurred and young people took more risks, which resulted in an increase in online messages (some of which were negative) at all times of the day and night. 

As the UK’s Chief Medical Officers say, it’s wise to take a precautionary approach to the amount of time young people spend on their digital devices – they should balance screen use with other (offline) activities.

We’ve also seen online hate increase around large events (e.g. the racist abuse during the Euro 2020 football tournament) and social media influencers playing a larger role, whether it’s encouraging young people to take part in pranks or share controversial views. 

One of the benefits of Yubo is that it’s about finding your tribe (meeting new people and socialising – either one to one or in a group) rather than following influencers or getting likes and shares.  

How can social media providers support their younger users?

It’s important to remember that the positives of technology outweigh the negatives but there are lots of things that social media providers can do to educate and protect young people. These include:

Market trust and safety to your users in the same way you market other product innovations to them (young people want to use safe platforms!).

Get the balance right between protecting your users and making them feel “censored”. I’m a big fan of using the onboarding process to explain the rules and then using frictionless ways to remind users about acceptable behavior (e.g. stating the rules at the beginning of a live stream, which is what Yubo does). 

Understand that young people will make errors of judgment (e.g. posting negative comments based on someone’s appearance) and help them to learn from them. In-app ‘nudges’ like the ones on Yubo remind users to behave more responsibly and also send an important message to the rest of the community.

Consider the language you use (e.g. instead of saying ‘Make a report’, which sounds very formal, you could offer an ‘I don’t like this content’ option and then prompt users to explain why and report it).

Don’t take a blanket Artificial Intelligence (AI) approach to content moderation – human beings should still make decisions.

Legislation, such as the UK’s Online Safety Act, will make social media companies legally responsible for keeping young people safe online.

How can young people help to influence online safety?

At the Diana Award, we encourage young people to look around their school and community and think about ways they can educate themselves, their peers, their parents, their teachers and other adults and help to reduce bullying and other online risks.

Young people live and breathe technology so they also need a seat at the table and a stronger voice in the discussion. That could be as members of trust and safety councils or advisory boards or as participants in hackathons. It’s already happening on a small scale but industry needs to extend the invitation more meaningfully. I’m working with Yubo to increase youth participation.

What is the role of the Yubo Safety Board?

As a board, we’re able to challenge Yubo and provide advice and support. We all have different expertise in the digital space so we can provide new ways of thinking about products and policies. It’s great to see that, in some of Yubo’s new safety tools and the language used in the app, our input has been valuable. 

7 ways Yubo helps to combat bullying and hate speech

Yubo's Take

Here for all of it.

Sextortion - 7 things you should know

Meet Alexandre Euverte, our Data Protection Officer

Stay Fresh and Safe: Gen Z Tips for Navigating the Social Media Jungle!

Power Up Your Yubo Experience with Turbo Mode

Yubo Rolling into 2024 With Gen Z

Unwrapping Online Safety: Yubo Partners with Internet Matters for a Festive...

Bullying and hate speech: Q&A with Alex Holmes

Yubo’s Powers Unlocked: A Comprehensive Guide

Yubo Hackathon, Fostering Collaboration and Innovation

The state of online safety