Temná strana internetu: Příběhy dětských obětí kyberprostoru
The Dark Side of the Internet: Stories of Child Victims in Cyberspace

Author(s): Kamil Kopecký, René Szotkowski, Dominik Voráč
Subject(s): Education, Psychology, Criminal Law, Civil Law, Sociology, School education, Social psychology and group interaction, Psychology of Self, Behaviorism, Criminology, Victimology, Social Norms / Social Control, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci
Keywords: case studies; cyberbullying; sexting; sextortion; online grooming; hate speech; online safety; children and adolescents; digital risks; prevention; E-Bezpečí; E-Safety
Summary/Abstract: The case study monograph The Dark Side of the Internet: Stories of Child Victims of Cyberspace presents authentic testimonies from children and adolescents sent to the online counseling center of the E-Bezpečí project at Palacký University in Olomouc. Selected stories, supplemented by expert commentary, are placed in the context of research, prevention, and intervention, linking the personal experiences of victims with an analytical view of the risks of the digital environment. The publication focuses on phenomena that threaten the safety and mental health of children - cyberbullying, hating, body shaming, sexting and its transformation into sextortion, revenge porn, and cyber grooming. It also draws attention to dangerous challenges, risk groups, cyberstalking, and the manipulative practices of perpetrators. The misuse of intimate material for coercion and blackmail is common, with individual phenomena overlapping. The text reflects psychological and social aspects: it shows how children perceive the risks of the internet, why they choose anonymous help, and why they do not confide in their parents. It emphasizes the role of anonymity and gender differences-girls are more often victims of sexting and hating. Children aged 14-16 are most at risk, as they are in a period of increased vulnerability and identity search. The publication aims to deepen understanding of children's needs in the digital environment, draw attention to growing harmful phenomena, and provide inspiration for preventive programs, education, and systemic measures. It includes chapters on the legal framework, the responsibility of minors, the protection of personality rights, and the criminal classification of acts. The monograph thus offers practical guidance for dealing with situations and promotes cooperation between schools, parents, and experts. The publication was created as part of the ReDiKid: Resilient Children in the Digital World project (reg. no. CZ.02.01.01/00/23_025/0008686, co-financed by the EU).

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