The risk-taking behaviours of children on adult-based platforms (dating apps, remunerative matchmaking services, subscription platforms, fetish communities) are largely unknown. This study interviewed 46 participants aged 18 to 21 years about their previous risk-taking experiences as children on adult-based platforms. The study found that children are exposed to risk both online and offline as a result of using these platforms—for example, inappropriate or illegal conversations involving sexting and activities such as drug use. However, in some instances, participants reported engaging in similar risk-taking experiences outside of adult-based platforms.
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