In many regions, the topic of "gadis bawah umur" is tied to early marriage. While some communities view this as a way to provide stability, global social data suggests several risks:
Social media plays a substantial role in shaping the relationships and social interactions of girls underage. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can provide a sense of connection and community, but they also expose young girls to cyberbullying, online harassment, and unrealistic beauty standards.
: Girls in early marriages or relationships often face unequal power dynamics with their partners, parents, and in-laws [1]. These dynamics are reinforced through negative social labeling and a limitation of knowledge [1].
(ages 15–19) who have been partnered have experienced IPV. Factors such as spousal age differences in underage marriages significantly increase these risks. Age-Disparate Relationships
: While 95% of teens use social media to feel connected, girls are significantly more likely than boys to report negative impacts on their self-confidence, sleep, and overall mental health.
: Societal expectations and traditional gender roles frequently hinder girls from realizing their rights to education and skill development [4, 19]. Health and Psychological Impact
: Algorithms on platforms like TikTok have been criticized for potentially luring young users toward content related to depression or self-harm. Additionally, girls face higher pressure to maintain a curated, "perfect" online appearance, leading to increased body dissatisfaction. Relationship Dynamics & Emerging Risks
