Digital dangers and cyber-victimisation: a study of European adolescent online risky behaviour for sexual exploitation
DeMarco, Jeffrey 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7160-2100, Cheevers, Carly, Davidson, Julia, Bogaerts, Stefan, Pace, Ugo, Aiken, Mary, Caretti, Vincenzo, Schimmenti, Adriano and Bifulco, Antonia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8316-9706
(2017)
Digital dangers and cyber-victimisation: a study of European adolescent online risky behaviour for sexual exploitation.
Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 14
(1)
.
pp. 104-112.
ISSN 1724-4935
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Abstract
Objective: The engagement and use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) has increased exponentially across societies worldwide with implications for social and psychological development in young people. In this context, the risk of negative sexual experience and victimisation online is known to have real world consequences for young people. This article seeks to: explore the nature of adolescent risk taking online behaviour from a group of young adults in different European countries; develop types of online risk profiles; explore the impact of help-seeking and to consider the potential real world harmful consequences. Method: A survey was administered across the United Kingdom, Ireland and Italy of 18 to 25 year olds in higher education, asking them about their online experiences between the ages of 12 and 16. Risky behaviour on and off-line, types of victimisation (on and offline) and sexual solicitation requests online were analysed together with help-seeking behaviour. Results: Four profiles concerning adolescent risky behaviours were identified through cluster analysis. Each were distinguishable by a pattern of latent constructs linked to risk offline and online. Two were considered normative (adapted adolescents and inquisitive online) and two high risk (risk-taking aggressive and sexually inquisitive online). Additionally, regression analysis demonstrated significant factors linked to predicting both likelihood of meeting an adult for sexual purposes, and help-seeking behaviour. Conclusions: The profiles developed are a useful tool for educators, police and health and social care practitioners in identifying adolescents at risk in order to undertake preventative work. Common help-seeking behaviour from peers could be used to effect interventions.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Research Areas: | A. > School of Science and Technology > Psychology > Centre for Abuse and Trauma Studies (CATS) |
| Item ID: | 24169 |
| Notes on copyright: | © 2017 Giovanni Fioriti Editore s.r.l. Reproduced with permission |
| Useful Links: | |
| Depositing User: | Natasa Blagojevic-Stokic |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Apr 2018 09:24 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Nov 2022 21:09 |
| URI: | https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/id/eprint/24169 |
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