The Southeast Asia region is home to more than 224.2 million youths, with 53% of them being Gen Z (ages 15-25) and 47% Millennials (ages 26-35), making up roughly 30% of the total population. Over half of this youth demographic is considered digital natives. While advanced digital technologies have expanded opportunities for learning, connection, and innovation, they have also introduced significant risks. Young people across the region are disproportionately affected by Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and face growing mental health challenges.

Given their proximity to this issue and large numbers of the youth population, their voices are crucial to shape regional policy advocacy on this issue, recognizing that meaningful youth participation in civic and political processes is essential for building more cohesive, democratic, and future‑oriented societies.

Driven by this urgency, the SEAMEO Secretariat, UNICEF EAPRO, and UNESCO Bangkok convened the “Regional Youth Consultation on Tech‑Facilitated Gender‑Based Violence and Mental Health in Digital Space” on 18 November 2025, alongside the SEAMEO 48th High Officials Meeting. This event is supported under Outcome 3 of Empowered and Equal Futures for Girls Programme funded by DFAT Australia Government.

Twelve youth representatives from across Southeast Asia came together, each bringing frontline experience to the discussion table. They engaged in a highly constructive discussion that generated critical insights into how technology is facilitating violence online. Given their lived experiences, they put forward recommendations on how regional inter-governmental organisations can better support their member countries on addressing these issues.

In just one day, the youth participants were able to map out and capture a comprehensive Southeast Asia youth’s knowledge and experience on gender-based violence and mental health in digital space in the region, ranging from the most prevalent TFGBV cases, the cause of mental health issues amongst youth, to how they are addressed within their respective countries through policies and programmes.

Their recommendation was clear: schools are a critical line of defence. Youth delegates called for stronger teacher and school staff training: in awareness around gender based violence, digital security and in equipping them to respond appropriately should the students experience one.