Children and young people who spend more time online are consequently more exposed to hate speech and cyberbullying. In the same space where they seek information, entertainment, and connection with the world, many of them are confronted with a troubling reality: offensive messages, degrading comments, and posts that violate their dignity.

This Friday, One Albania, in collaboration with the Department of Journalism and Communication at the University of Tirana, published a national study on cyberbullying in Albania, an in-depth analysis of how this phenomenon affects young people across the country. With over 850 young respondents from ten cities, the study offers a clear picture of the social and emotional reality of the digital generation. According to its findings, one in five young Albanians has experienced online bullying and has not shared this experience with anyone—not with parents, teachers, or friends.

The lack of communication, fear of judgment, and pervasive sense of isolation intensify the phenomenon, allowing it to deepen without ever receiving proper support or intervention.

During the presentation, Prof. Dr. Mark Marku, Dean of the Faculty of History and Philology, emphasized the importance of this research in understanding emerging social realities.

Meanwhile, Prof. Artan Fuga, member of the Academy of Sciences, drew attention to the changing nature of online communication.

The event brought together voices from academia, the private sector, and government institutions.

“The results of this research will be a valuable aid in the drafting of new policies, strengthening existing mechanisms, and protecting our students and youth. The Ministry of Education has undertaken a series of initiatives aimed at curbing this phenomenon,” said Orjana Osmani, Deputy Minister of Education.

Also present was Murat Sahin, UNICEF Albania Representative, who underlined that online safety must be treated as a national priority. He highlighted the need for inter-institutional cooperation and digital literacy, stressing that online safety is now an essential component of children’s overall well-being.

For One Albania, the message is clear: a strong network protects the people who use it.

For this reason, the telecommunications leader has extended its commitment to online safety beyond awareness campaigns. Social responsibility is embedded in One Albania’s services, including solutions such as One Safe, a platform designed to make online browsing safer.

“Our task is not only to connect people, but to protect them. A strong network offers security. This is why we developed the One Safe platform to help families navigate the internet more safely. Beyond that, we are constantly exploring new approaches to reach the age groups most affected by this phenomenon,” said Barna Kutvolgyi, Executive Director of One Albania.

One Safe protects devices from harmful websites, provides filters for inappropriate content, and gives parents powerful tools for online supervision. The study and the discussions held during the event highlighted an essential truth: cyberbullying is not just a technological problem; it is a challenge of communication, education, and social culture.

Every step toward awareness, every open conversation, and every act of support is a step closer to building a more humane, safer, and more attentive society for its young people.