To what extent are teenagers imperiled in their daily life?
A balanced global look at the risks facing boys, girls, and non-binary teens — online, at home, at school, and in the world.
The Reality
Risks do not discriminate by gender. Boys, girls, and non-binary teens all face serious dangers, though the type of risk they face most often differs.
Adolescence (ages 13 to 19) is among the most formative periods of human development. Trauma, harassment, or sustained danger during these years has lasting consequences on mental health, academic outcomes, and future relationships.
The digital revolution has created entirely new threat landscapes. Social media, messaging apps, and online communities expose teenagers to risks that did not exist a generation ago. Awareness, open dialogue, and solid support systems are the first line of defence.
Most incidents go unreported. Boys especially tend to stay silent due to stigma around showing vulnerability.
Online harassment follows teens home, removing all safe havens and amplifying harm around the clock.
Teens who receive early safety education are significantly more likely to seek help when they need it.
Communities with open adult–teen communication show better mental health outcomes and lower rates of sustained abuse.
Global Safety Snapshot
How safe do people feel walking alone at night? The Gallup Law and Order Index 2025 reveals striking differences between countries, and between street safety and adolescent wellbeing.
The highest perceived safety score in the world. Strong rule of law, very low street crime, and well-lit public spaces. For teenagers, academic pressure is the dominant concern alongside rising cyberbullying rates.
Strong community cohesion drives very high street safety scores. Important nuance: domestic abuse and early marriage affecting teen girls are significantly underreported. High street safety does not equal absence of all private-sphere risk.
Percentage who feel safe walking alone at night — Gallup Law and Order Index 2025
Note: Street safety perception is not the same as absence of all teen risk. Domestic, online, and school-based dangers require separate assessment. Sources: Gallup 2025, UNICEF, WHO.
Select any country for a balanced teen safety overview for ages 13 to 19.
Main Issues
Select any issue to explore what it looks like, who is most affected, and what to do.
Unwanted sexual attention, comments, or advances, both online and in person. Girls face substantially higher rates; boys are also affected and far less likely to report.
Online harassment follows teens home, removing all safe spaces. 37% of teens globally are affected (UNICEF). It causes severe documented harm to mental health and academic performance.
Boys are more likely to be victims and perpetrators of physical bullying; girls more often face relational bullying. Both cause lasting harm. Gang-related violence disproportionately affects teenage boys in urban areas.
Peer pressure drives risk-taking across all genders. Girls self-harm at higher rates; boys are 3 times more likely to die by suicide, partly because boys are far less likely to seek help.
Repeated unwanted attention that invades a teenager's sense of safety, from physical following to obsessive digital monitoring and location tracking.
Abuse within the family home affects all genders. Boys more often experience physical abuse; girls face more sexual and coercive control. Both types go drastically underreported.
Targeting teenagers based on race, religion, sexuality, disability, gender expression, or appearance. This causes exclusion, trauma, and lasting identity damage.
Want to reflect on your own safety awareness?
Help and Resources
Practical steps every teenager should know, and where to turn when you need help.
Danish crisis helplines for young people · Støttetilbud for unge i Danmark
All services are free. Several offer anonymous contact. In immediate danger, always call 112.
Take Action
Safety is not a gender issue — it is a human issue. Boys, girls, and non-binary teens all deserve protection, support, and the freedom to grow up without fear.
Speak up. Reach out. Listen without judgment. If something feels wrong, it probably is.
Academic References
This page draws on the following peer-reviewed, institutional, and international research bodies.
Community
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This helped me understand what a friend might be going through. I am going to reach out to her today.
Good to see boys are included here too. This really does affect everyone.