Digital technologies and algorithm-driven software, especially social media, present high risks of privacy invasion, cyberbullying and distraction from learning to young girls – that’s according to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) 2024 Global Education Monitor (GEM) report released on Thursday.

The report highlighted global progress in girls' access to and attainment in education over the past two decades but called attention to increased social media usage in young girls, its harmful effect on them, and the lack of women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Shanaé Harte sat with Anna D'Addio, the Senior Policy Analyst in the GEM Report team at UNESCO, the agency's 2024 Gender Report and further discussed the use of social media in educational settings to protect girls’ well-being and learning.