"This desk review examines the available evidence on the extent to which digital content can influence knowledge, attitudes and practices of adolescents and young people (aged 10–24 years), and looks at the potential for digital spaces to be used to add value to the delivery of comprehensive sexua
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lity education (CSE). Technologies are constantly changing, so this report should be seen as a snapshot of the evidence at a specific point in time. The report is in two parts. Part 1 explores which young people engage with digital spaces and how; social media influencers; the intersections between pornography and sexuality education; and lessons from mHealth and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education. To do this, it draws on purposive searches of the literature, the knowledge and expertise of the interdisciplinary team of researchers, and recommendations from a range of experts. Part 2 draws on a robust review of the literature on interventions designed to educate young people about sexuality. It focuses on existing evidence in five key areas: (1) reaching and engaging young people; (2) influence and impact; (3) opportunities and risks; (4) content, guidelines and standards; and (5) literature gaps." (Executive summary)
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"This document presents findings from a rapid review of available literature on what has worked to prevent cyber violence against women and girls. Key findings include: There is limited data on cyber violence against women and girls (VAWG) in general, and particularly on what works to prevent it [..
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.] There are powerful international human rights frameworks which could be used to prevent cyber VAWG [...] However, the effectiveness of international human rights frameworks and laws is constrained by gaps in specialised national legislative and policy measures, mechanisms, procedures and expertise/skills [...] There are guidelines for social media companies but there are severe problems in getting them to enforce them/follow up [...] School-based interventions have potential to take primary prevention of cyber VAWG to scale [...] Various apps and online tools have been developed, but these are mostly not evaluated [...] Importance of contextualised, bottom up responses which acknowledge and address socio-cultural norms [...] Social media and the internet have also been used by women for online advocacy to combat VAWG." (Overview, page 1-2)
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"Far too often the implicit theory of change in digital developments, as with technology for development more generally, is that importing technologies can fix development. This does not acknowledge the political and social transformations that are needed to address and overcome economic and power a
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symmetries. Although understandable, the focus on simple fixes places too great an emphasis on the visible aspects of technology, which, at best, provide incremental gains in developmental terms. This leads to less attention on the less visible but fundamental aspects of capacity, skills and institutions, where arguably the potential for transformational development gains truly lie. The most significant digital development gains - as with technology for change more generally - have involved a dynamic interplay between technological developments and institutional change." (Page 15)
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"Smartphones and digital connectivity are essential for refugees seeking protection and safety in Europe, but they also carry risks for them. This research identified a huge gap in the provision of relevant, reliable and timely digital news and information for refugees on their journeys and upon arr
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ival in Europe. There is a growing number of digital resources designed for refugees. Most are inadequately resourced and unsustainable. They can do more harm than good if they disseminate misinformation. Quick ‘tech fixes’ do not work. Governments and newsrooms in Europe are failing to provide what refugees need, because they fear that they may be seen to be facilitating attempts to seek asylum in Europe. This is forcing refugees to rely on alternative, often unverified and unreliable sources of news and information circulated on social media, particularly by smugglers and handlers. This is endangering them and exacerbating an already dire situation." (Summary of findings, page 5)
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