The research was carried out on a representative sample of 1,727 upper primary school pupils across all counties in Croatia, and aimed to provide a comprehensive picture of peer dynamics, exposure to violence, and patterns of digital engagement. 

Objectives and scope 

The study sought to explore three main areas:  

1. the prevalence and forms of peer violence experienced by children and young people;
2. the ways in which offline behaviours translate into online environments;  
3. children’s digital practices, including social media use, privacy behaviours, and engagement with online content. By mapping these aspects, the research aimed to inform prevention strategies, enhance educational programmes, and strengthen multi-sector cooperation in child protection.

Prevalence and nature of peer violence 

Findings indicate that over 80 per cent of children reported experiencing some form of peer violence. Importantly, peer aggression is not confined to schoolyards or classrooms; it frequently extends into online spaces such as group chats and social media platforms. Here, behaviours such as insulting, mocking, excluding, and spreading harmful content occur with increasing frequency, creating a persistent environment of pressure and emotional stress.  

The study highlights a concerning trend: many children perceive such behaviours as normalised, which may hinder reporting and early intervention. 

Early digital engagement and emerging risks 

Children in Croatia begin using digital devices at a young age, with the average first smartphone given at 8 years old and social media accounts often established by age 10. While many employ privacy settings, nearly one quarter maintain fully public profiles, exposing them to risks such as unwanted contact and manipulation.  

The study further indicates that sexualised communication and coercion appear earlier than previously recognised: a significant proportion of eighth graders reported being pressured to share sexual content or receiving inappropriate messages from people they know. These findings underscore the importance of early, age-appropriate digital literacy and safety education. 

Patterns of underreporting and vulnerability 

A critical insight from the research is that children rarely report experiences of violence. Only a minority confide in friends, and more than half would not disclose incidents to adults, even when expressing general trust in adults.  

These findings suggest that intervention strategies must focus not only on education and awareness but also on creating safe, accessible reporting channels and fostering a culture of trust within schools, families, and peer networks. 

Implications for prevention and policy 

The research identifies a clear need for targeted prevention measures that begin in the early years of primary education and address both offline and online environments. Interventions should be gender sensitive, age appropriate, and universal in availability, supporting both children who exhibit high vulnerability, and those at general risk.  

Continuous professional training for educators, social workers, and parents is essential, as is collaboration across sectors to develop systemic solutions to emerging threats. 

By combining rigorous scientific research with field activities and educational outreach, the Croatian Safer Internet Centre ensures that prevention strategies are evidence-based and responsive to evolving digital realities. The findings of deSHAME 3 provide a crucial foundation for developing interventions that not only mitigate risk, but also empower children and young people to navigate digital spaces safely and confidently. 

Find more information about the work of the Croatian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.