16 Days of Activism: Reflective questions for awareness and action

Following on from our last blog on Digital Harm… Sophie (Admin and Operations Intern) and Fee (Head of Programmes - Borough Provision) are curious; what were your reflections on our first set of questions? You can find a reminder of them below…

• If online spaces were safe for young women and girls, what would they notice? About the spaces and about themselves? What difference might this make? 

• How does Social Media support us to resist in powerful and positive ways? 

• When it comes to online spaces, what are the things you do to look after your mind?

Coming into 2026, Sophie had some more important insights to share with you and some further questions to prompt your understanding…

“A big factor that plays a part in online risk or harm is that blocking or removing can actually escalate the situation, this is because the perpetrator has access to multiple accounts through various contact details, and this can increase targeting. 

Imagine what a world with social media would be like if you could only make one account and your email and phone number were tied to it, that also required an identification to verify…? That is what you call making a difference, thinking strategically! 

Just take a moment to think… 

Did you know Digital Harm can limit real-world freedom? Bet you didn’t! It follows people into their everyday lives, into classrooms, workplaces, relationships, and even public spaces. A comment, shared image, or a threat can reshape how somebody moves through the world. The most detrimental thing is that these types of situations make people avoid speaking up or looking for a form of rescue; it creates constant vigilance. So, really imagine what a world would look and feel like if social media and online harms were decreased or even terminated fully.”

Now you’ve heard more from Sophie, here is another round of reflective prompts for you to take away…

1. When we like, share, comment on, or ignore someone’s post, what role are we playing? Supporter, bystander, or contributor to harm?! Everyone’s actions tell a story. What’s yours?

2. How many real lives are shaped by what happens online? 

3. If online abuse stays online, why do its effects follow people everywhere? 

4. Who owns your image once it is shared? 

5. Why are young women and girls expected to be resilient instead of safe?