The “Szon Patrol” TikTok trend takes its name from the words “patrol” and “szon” (a simplified form of a Polish slur alluding to prostitution). By abbreviating the vulgar term, posters are trying to circumvent social media algorithms that filter obscene language. The Polish press reports that the recordings are not made by members of any organised religious or political group, but rather by groups of teenagers using “moral policing” as a pretext to justify content designed to humiliate their peers. In Poland, the phenomenon has triggered a significant societal debate on misogyny, online bullying and parental responsibility. It is important to stress that the overwhelming majority of the Polish public unequivocally condemns the “Szon Patrol”. The issue of gender discrimination is also far from negligible: the trend specifically targets girls, and can convey the message that boys are entitled to “police” their behaviour. This can have serious consequences, not only in terms of children’s rights, but also at a broader societal level.

According to experts, the motivation of young content-producing “patrollers” wearing yellow visibility vests is multifaceted. The trend may be driven by adolescent frustration, the desire to belong to a group, or the hunt for “likes”, and may also be influenced by social norms that seek to police women’s bodies.

Although this TikTok craze emerged in Poland, it could also affect Hungarian youth, as the most popular online platforms are the same in both countries. The problems highlighted by the phenomenon are present among young people in Hungary as well, although they do not usually take such a visibly organised form. In Hungarian schools, it is also common for photos of girls to be uploaded to class chat groups by their peers, their bodies portrayed in an exaggerated or humiliating manner. The photos tend to be accompanied by mocking and humiliating comments. Secretly taken pictures and videos and body-shaming are all forms of online bullying.

Young people who experience bullying frequently report feeling anxiety and fear, particularly when images or videos of them resurface repeatedly on social media. Many find it difficult even to attend school, as public humiliation can lead to long-term depression, isolation and relationship difficulties.

In addition to their human dignity, the victims’ rights to privacy and the protection of their personal data may also be violated if their likenesses are made public without their consent.

NMHH experts warn that it is the responsibility of multiple actors to prevent young people from becoming vulnerable victims of harmful trends. Parents have a primary responsibility to monitor their children’s online presence, and to talk openly to them about the dangers of the Internet. It is important for children to understand that if they are being bullied or humiliated, they can always turn to their parents with confidence. Educators also play a key role: in school, it is important for them to recognise the signs when a student is being victimised. It is worth talking to children regularly about what constitutes online bullying, and how they can take action against it.

The authorities and professional organisations, including the NMHH, have a key role to play in raising awareness and working to prevent harmful and often illegal online phenomena. The EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) obliges major online platforms, such as social media providers and video-sharing sites, to take effective measures to remove illegal content and to provide enhanced protection for minors. It is important for children to know that they have the right to seek help, and that there is no online trend that can override their dignity or safety. Young people also need to be made aware that they are not to blame if someone harasses, shames or bullies them in an online space.

The NMHH’s priority is to promote the safe use of the Internet by minors through online content, publications and programmes. Anyone in Hungary who falls victim to online abuse can report it and seek assistance through the Authority’s online legal aid service, the Internet Hotline.