JAMES 2022 Study: A Deep Dive into the Online Behavior of Swiss Youth

The JAMES 2022 study, conducted by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in partnership with Swisscom, has revealed some concerning trends in the online behavior of young people in Switzerland. The study surveyed over 1,000 young people between the ages of 12 and 19 and found that nearly half of them had been victims of sexual harassment online or in text messages.

This is an increase from the previous survey in 2018, which showed that a third of young people had been the target of sexual messages or images. The study also found that a third of adolescents had been encouraged by a stranger to send sexual photos of themselves, with girls over the age of 16 being almost twice as likely to be victims as young men.

These findings highlight the need for schools to teach pupils how to be safe online, and for parents to take responsibility for ensuring their children are not falling prey to sexual predators. Michael In Albon, in charge of youth protection at Swisscom, stresses the importance of educating young people about online safety, as well as monitoring their online activity and setting boundaries.

However, the study also revealed that not all exposure to sexual images online is unwanted, with nearly 80% of people aged 18 and 19 having watched porn on their phones or computer. Almost 60% of those surveyed had received naked or sexual photos, and 25% said they had sent them.

It’s important to note that while these statistics are alarming, they do not represent all young people in Switzerland. The JAMES study is conducted every two years and provides valuable insights into the online behavior of young people, which can inform policies and initiatives aimed at promoting safe and healthy online environments.

The JAMES 2022 study (Full study)