One in two young people in Italy says they have experienced at least one act of violence in their lifetime, with online spaces perceived as the most dangerous environment. These findings emerge from the 2026 edition of the Indifesa Observatory, conducted by the non-profit organization Terre des Hommes in collaboration with the youth platform Scomodo.

Released ahead of Italy’s National Day Against Bullying and Cyberbullying on February 7 and Safer Internet Day on February 10, the report collected responses from more than 2,000 Italians under the age of 26.

Girls report higher levels of violence than boys (57 percent versus 42 percent), while the highest rate is among non-binary respondents, at 67 percent. Beyond the digital sphere, girls identified unmonitored public spaces—such as streets and public transportation—as well as intimate and family relationships as high-risk contexts. Among boys, schools and peer groups were cited more frequently.

The survey shows a strong awareness of online risks among adolescents. According to 59 percent of respondents, the most serious threat is revenge porn, defined as the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. This concern is particularly widespread among girls and older respondents.

While 79 percent of young people consider sharing intimate content to be dangerous, most are also aware of their legal rights: nearly all respondents know they can report abuse and request the removal of images shared without consent. Awareness drops, however, when it comes to altered or manipulated images.

Another common online experience is being contacted by strangers—reported by about 80 percent of respondents. While this often triggers negative or mixed emotions, girls more frequently report discomfort, uncertainty, and fear, whereas boys show a higher degree of curiosity.