- Online hate, misogyny and bullying are pushing girls INTO tech careers, according to
- Top concerns for young people include online bullying, self-harm content and online privacy.
- Young entrepreneur Ahana Banerjee was inspired to create a positive online community for the next generation when she launched her skincare app Clear
- It comes as
New research from
The Digital Heirs research found 73% of girls have experienced hate speech online, 58% have been contacted by a stranger they don't trust and 60% have seen content promoting self-harm.
But it seems their negative experiences are actually inspiring young people, with a quarter (26%) of girls wanting to pursue a career in tech in order to make the internet a safer place for the next generation of children.
The research also found the top issues young people would like to see change on the internet - two thirds (65%) want to see online bullying tackled, followed by 58% wanting content promoting self-harm removed. Over half (55%) said keeping people's data safe and private should be a priority while 52% said they'd like to see a stop to online grooming or inappropriate content.
The Digital Heirs research from
It comes as
Young entrepreneur Ahana Banerjee, 24-year-old, said her own experiences online helped inspire her to create a safe online space when she launched skincare app 'Clear.'
The app helps users with skin issues find and connect with others with similar skin types, keep track of their skincare routines, and measure their progress with selfies.
Ahana said: "I joined Instagram at 10, just as the app began. As I got older, it went from a harmless photo sharing platform to a hub of social dynamics - a space where people could continually compare themselves to one another.
"Having suffered from cystic acne as a teenager, the worst impact this had on me was around body image. I deleted Instagram when I was sixteen and almost immediately noticed an improvement in my confidence and overall well being.
"Instead of steering me away from a tech career, it inspired me to create a different kind of online platform - one that created a positive community and didn't promote images of filtered perfect skin. I believe our generation is purpose-driven, and for me, being able to create positive solutions through tech is an amazing feeling."
"Most jobs, whether it's healthcare or finance, require tech skills, and as an employer we expect all hires to be digitally literate, not just our tech team. That's why programmes like
"With many looking to make a change through a career in tech, our Work Ready programme in schools across the country is empowering them with essential digital skills employers need as we tackle the
The research also found over half (59%) of young people believe more of their generation entering tech careers would make the internet more accessible and 50% see Artificial Intelligence as a key factor in improving the online space. Over half (54%) also said they were more interested in learning about technology than traditional school subjects.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
*All research unless otherwise stated is from a Opinium poll of 1,000 11 to 17-year-olds carried out on behalf of
.
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