Adolescent perceptions of warning messages to counter online sexual abuse

Person sitting down working on laptop with mobile phone in hand
Abstract

Adolescent engagement online brings with it exposure to problematic and illegal online content and behaviours such as cyberbullying, image-based abuse, sexual extortion and child sexual abuse material. Online warning messages may help deter illegal and otherwise problematic online behaviour and direct victims to support services. However, the target audience must perceive these messages as useful. This mixed methods study sought feedback from adolescents (aged 16–18 years) on the perceived utility of online warning messages addressing various problematic online behaviours. Two hundred and ninety-eight participants completed the study, reading vignettes describing problematic online behaviours alongside image and text-based warning messages directed at victims, bystanders and/or offenders in these scenarios. Participants generally agreed that the warnings would attract the target’s attention and promote reflection or help-seeking. However, they believed victims were more likely than offenders to actively engage with support services. Participants were divided on preference for image-with-text or text-only warnings.

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Contents

  • Abstract
  • Executive summary
    • The efficacy of online warnings
    • Limitations of the online warning literature
    • The present study
    • Key findings
    • Conclusion
  • Introduction
    • Warning messages as an online prevention tool
    • Victim and bystander warning messages
    • Warning messages targeting adolescents
    • The current study
  • Method
    • Participants
    • Stimuli
    • Measures
    • Procedure
    • Data analysis strategy
  • Results
    • Perceptions of warning message efficacy
    • Qualitative feedback on messages
  • Discussion
    • Victim-focused messages
    • Offender-focused messages
    • Bystander-focused messages
    • Limitations
    • Conclusion
  • References
  • Appendix A: Vignettes with warning text
    • Vignette 1: CSAM and IBA — Cyberbullying
    • Vignette 2: CSAM — Grooming and sexual extortion
    • Vignette 3: CSAM — Viewing and sharing
  • Appendix B: Warning messages
    • Vignette 1: CASM and IBA — Cyberbullying
    • Vignette 2: CSAM — Grooming and sexual extortion
    • Vignette 3: CSAM — Viewing and sharing
  • Appendix C: Measures
    • 1. CSAM and IBA — Cyberbullying
    • 2. CSAM — Grooming and sexual extortion
    • 3. CSAM — Viewing and sharing
  • Appendix D: Thematic analysis
    • Summary of thematic analysis process
    • Thematic outcomes