Finnish parents express high concern over online sexual harassment

A survey conducted by the organization Pelastakaa Lapset reveals significant concerns among Finnish parents regarding online sexual harassment. Approximately 93 percent of guardians of children aged 6–17 consider sexual harassment on the internet or social media to be at least a moderately serious problem.

Specifically, 70 percent of guardians expressed fear that their own children might encounter sexual harassment online. While 62 percent of parents believe they are reasonably capable of protecting their children, 30 percent rate their skills as weak or very weak. Furthermore, 66 percent of guardians stated they require more information or support to effectively protect their children in digital environments.

Challenges in addressing the issue include a lack of knowledge on how to act if a child reports harassment, with 26 percent of parents feeling unprepared. Additionally, 20 percent of parents have not discussed sexual harassment with their children at all, often citing uncertainty about how to ensure safety or fear of the child's reaction as barriers to communication.