A new Save the Children Finland survey has revealed alarming trends in children’s online experiences, showing that many Finnish children as young as nine are regularly exposed to violent or distressing content on the internet. The survey, which included more than 1,000 children aged 9 to 15, found that one in five (21%) have been unintentionally exposed to online content about suicide and war. Overall, more than half (54%) of respondents said they had encountered upsetting or frightening material online, while 35% of older children aged 13 to 15 reported exposure to suicide-related content. Nearly 20% of older respondents admitted to deliberately searching for war-related material, and over 10% had sought out information about suicide.
The study also highlighted the most common forms of online violence faced by children in Finland, including exclusion from group discussions, bullying, name-calling, and mockery. Many children cited unreliable or harmful individuals, violent or explicit material, drug sales, and privacy violations as key threats to their online safety. Screen time emerged as another area of concern, with 63% of respondents spending at least two hours daily online, and 13% using screens for more than five hours each day.
Lauri Sundberg, Team Leader for Digital Well-Being at Save the Children Finland, emphasized that the quality of content children consume is more important than the amount of time they spend online. He warned that constant exposure to distressing material about war and suicide could distort young people’s worldview, weaken their optimism, and foster negative perceptions about humanity. Sundberg underscored the need for parents and caregivers to stay informed about children’s online activities and engage in open discussions about sensitive topics.
The survey also revealed gender-based differences in children’s attitudes and experiences. Boys were more likely than girls to agree with statements that endorse harmful or insensitive behavior, such as “boys shouldn’t be sensitive” or “it’s okay to share a fight video online.” While one in ten boys reported being bullied or mocked online, the rate among girls was slightly lower. However, girls were found to experience online bullying twice as often as boys, pointing to differing vulnerabilities in digital spaces.
Another concerning finding was that children from minority backgrounds and those living in financially insecure households faced higher exposure to harmful online experiences. Among children from families struggling financially, 80% said they frequently encountered scary or unpleasant online content, and 40% felt unsupported by their parents in staying safe online. In contrast, only one in ten children overall reported not receiving help from their parents in navigating the digital world.
Sundberg stressed that online violence against children must always be taken seriously, and that proactive action is needed from parents, educators, and policymakers. He called on technology companies to take greater responsibility by limiting children’s access to harmful digital spaces and content. He also urged professionals to identify vulnerable children and strengthen their ability to act safely online.
Save the Children continues to promote safe digital practices, urging parents to engage actively in their children’s media use, establish family rules for digital behavior, and maintain open communication about both the benefits and risks of the internet. The organization, which has worked for over a century to protect and empower children worldwide, reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring every child’s right to safety, learning, and well-being—both online and offline.
