World · East Asia & Pacific · 6 hrs ago
UNESCO warns AI is fueling new forms of cyberbullying in schools
UNESCO says one in ten students worldwide experiences cyberbullying, while one in three is bullied each month.
The agency warns that AI is enabling new forms of abuse, including fake nude images, cloned voices and automated harassment in school-related incidents.
Its policy brief says girls, students with disabilities and other marginalised groups can face distinct and often more severe harms.
The effects can reach students’ safety, health, well-being and learning, making the problem more than an online nuisance.
UNESCO says governments, technology companies, platforms and regulators must share responsibility, because schools cannot tackle it alone.
It calls for investment in digital safety, teacher training, mental health support and systems for reporting and responding to abuse.
UNESCO has begun work on a global recommendation about young people and digital environments in the age of AI, but the sources do not give a timeline for its completion.
UNESCO says one in 10 students worldwide experiences cyberbullying, while one in three experiences bullying each month.
The agency warns that artificial intelligence is enabling new forms of technology-facilitated violence in schools.
Examples include nudification apps, voice cloning, automated harassment and AI companion apps used for grooming.
UNESCO urged countries to invest in digital safety, teacher preparation and mental health support, working with technology companies.
The agency said responsibility for safer digital environments must be shared by governments, technology companies, platforms and regulators.
- Who
- UNESCO issued the warning. Students, including those facing heightened risks, are affected.
- What
- AI is fueling new forms of technology-facilitated violence and cyberbullying in schools.
- When
- UNESCO’s policy brief was reported on November 9, 2026.
- Where
- School-based incidents are surfacing across multiple regions. The article cites data from 44 countries in Europe, Central Asia and North America.
- Why
- AI tools and services are being used for nudification, voice cloning, automated harassment and grooming.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cyberbullying prevalence across 44 countries in Europe, Central Asia and North America rose from 12 to 15 per cent.
The Hindu reported UNESCO’s warning and findings from its “Connected and Safe” policy brief.
- Monthly bullying
- One in three learners worldwide
- Cyberbullying
- One in 10 learners worldwide
- Regional increase
- 12 to 15 per cent across 44 countries, 2018–2022
- AI-related threats
- Nudification apps, voice cloning, automated harassment and AI companion apps used for grooming
- Policy brief
- Connected and Safe
What people are saying
Online and technology-facilitated violence (TFV) is no longer a peripheral concern for education systems. It is part of the reality of school life for many learners, with direct consequences for safety, well-being, participation and learning.
Safer schools require sustained investment in teacher preparation, mental health and psychosocial support, reporting and response systems, digital safety measures, and coordinated action across education, child protection, health and technology sectors.