Misinformation has emerged as the leading cause of stress among Bangladeshi youth on social media, according to a recent anonymous poll conducted by UNICEF.
The survey, encompassing nearly 29,000 responses via UNICEF's U-Report platform, found that two out of three young people identified “too much fake news and misinformation” as their primary source of distress online.
Bullying and negative comments were cited as the most stressful experiences by one-seventh of respondents, with a slightly higher incidence among girls.
An equal proportion pointed to exposure to harmful or upsetting content as the main cause of their social media-related stress.
The poll also explored youth perspectives on social media regulations.
While 23 per cent expressed concerns that such rules might suppress free expression, more than double that figure (52%) supported the implementation of regulations to curb harmful behaviours, including bullying and hate speech.
Alarmingly, 79 per cent of respondents believed that relaxing existing rules would disproportionately harm vulnerable groups within their communities.
Among those identified as at risk were ethnic and religious minorities (30 per cent), children and youth (26 per cent), and women and girls (23 per cent).
“We already know from painful experience that misinformation and hate speech don’t just exist online; they can fuel real-world consequences, putting children at risk of mental and physical harm, especially those already facing discrimination such as girls and minorities,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh.
“Young people in Bangladesh recognise that digital spaces offer opportunities for connection, learning, and debate, but they are increasingly aware of the risks posed by unregulated environments.”
More than half of the respondents observed changes in the type of content appearing on their social media feeds, with mixed reactions regarding its impact.
Notably, 17 per cent reported feeling less safe online as a result.
“The responsibility belongs to all of us—policymakers, regulators, tech companies, educators, parents, and young users—to ensure that children and young people can access accurate, reliable information, distinguish truth from misinformation, and navigate online spaces safely,” Flowers emphasised.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to fostering environments where Bangladeshi children are shielded from harmful content, hate, and discrimination. In the face of an increasingly complex digital landscape, the organisation continues to engage with stakeholders to advocate for secure, inclusive online environments for young people.
On the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2025, UNICEF called for urgent action from policymakers, regulators, and technology companies operating in Bangladesh to:
- Implement robust moderation systems and policies that protect children and uphold their right to safety and dignity online;
- Create safe, inclusive, and empowering digital spaces where every child can express themselves without fear;
- Promote digital literacy education, equipping young people with the skills to critically evaluate online information, identify misinformation, and engage responsibly in digital interactions.
