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Offline Factors Influencing the Online Safety of Adolescents with Family Vulnerabilities

Author

Listed:
  • Adrienne Katz

    (Youthworks Consulting, Hornbean House, 81 Bridge Rd, Surrey KT8 9HH, UK)

  • Hannah May Brett

    (Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK)

Abstract

Online safety guidance is frequently delivered as a specialist technology issue without considering adolescents’ home lives, offline vulnerabilities, or wellbeing. Yet, while the digital world offers connection, autonomy, and entertainment, vulnerable teens also encounter more violent content, sexual exploitation, and content concerning body image, self-harm or suicide than their non-vulnerable peers. Many struggle with social inclusion or less engaged and credible caregiver e-safety support, which may contribute to their negative experiences online. To improve their online safety and resilience, caregivers and educators might consider offline factors that can mediate exposure to online harms. This study compared the experiences of 213 adolescents with family vulnerabilities to 213 age- and gender-matched non-vulnerable adolescents. The contribution of (a) e-safety education, (b) close friendships, (c) a trusted adult at school, and (d) life-affecting worry was considered. No differences were found for exposure to, or engagement with, e-safety education. However, despite having received e-safety education, those with family vulnerabilities were more at risk of encountering severe online harms. This was mediated by life-affecting worry and parental e-safety guidance. These findings provide unique insights into the impact of family vulnerabilities on adolescents’ exposure to online harms and suggest a more holistic intervention framework for caregivers.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrienne Katz & Hannah May Brett, 2025. "Offline Factors Influencing the Online Safety of Adolescents with Family Vulnerabilities," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:6:p:392-:d:1682955
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dubois-Comtois, Karine & Bussières, Eve-Line & Cyr, Chantal & St-Onge, Janie & Baudry, Claire & Milot, Tristan & Labbé, Annie-Pier, 2021. "Are children and adolescents in foster care at greater risk of mental health problems than their counterparts? A meta-analysis," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 127(C).
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