Online child sexual exploitation and victimisation: Exploring the experiences and perceptions of children and children looked-after.

Abstract

Recent literature and continuous technological advances highlight the need to explore the potential risk and vulnerability factors for the online sexual exploitation and victimisation of children. Although the body of empirical work relating to children’s direct online experiences remains relatively small, research has helped us to understand children’s information technology consumption, their perceived online experiences and the potential risks posed to children as a result of advances in technology (Ofcom, 2020). The views, opinions and perceptions of children towards risk-taking and their online experiences and behaviours requires further investigation. Particularly, that of under-represented and vulnerable groups such as children looked-after. This research aimed to examine online child sexual exploitation, solicitation and victimisation through exploration of young adults’ retrospective, and children’s current, views and experiences of being online. The program also aimed to develop research processes through consultation with vulnerable children. Differences between children from the general population and those from a group with pre-existing vulnerabilities and reduced protective factors (children looked-after) were compared as were the perceptions and experiences of those who work with and care for them.
The first study aimed to explore both current and retrospective experiences of young adults, attitudes, and perceptions in relation to online behaviours, relationships and interactions online. The study includes a series of three focus groups with adults aged 18–25 years old. Thematic analysis supported the generation of six key themes for further discussion; Loss of control, Accessibility, Relationship formation and maintenance, Deceitful interactions, Reality and risk, and Generational differences.
The second study took an action research group approach and aimed to explore children’s opinions and perceptions in relation to the study in general, and the questionnaire and interview questions to be used with a sample of children and children looked-after in study three, acting as co-researchers is this process. Thematic analysis of data sets generated five key themes; Design, Style and structure, Contribution and insight, Developing language, Engagement and disclosure, and Progressive technology. This research aided the evaluation and development of the successive study, including the development of the materials and questions to be asked with children in study three. Several amendments and improvement were made as a result of the findings resulting in changes relevant to the aforementioned themes.
Study three aimed to examine the extent of children’s relationships with others online; including those with adults; specifically in relation to the formation and frequency of such online relationships as well as comparing the online experiences of two groups; children looked-after and ‘non’ looked after-children. This study consisted of a mixed methods approach, utilising semi-structured interviews and a follow-up quantitative questionnaire. A sample of five children looked-after and nine non-looked-after children participated. Findings from the study suggest that overall, children are relatively safe online however implications arising from increased risks remain. The study confirmed frequent approaches from adults online to children and the normalisation of inappropriate adult approaches. Issues relating to secrecy, disclosure and parental monitoring are also discussed. Finally, differences between children looked-after and those not looked-after were evident in respect of risky online experiences and behaviours, with findings suggesting that children looked-after are at increased risk of harm.
The final study aimed to examine the views, opinions and perceptions of residential child care professionals working with children looked-after to further understand online child sexual exploitation with this specific group and the reasons it may be more pronounced. Specifically, the study aimed to examine the relationships children held in their residential home, the skills and abilities of staff in respect of online child sexual exploitation and to explore potential relationships between pre-existing vulnerabilities, associated risks and disclosure of exploitation. Employment characteristics such as employee experience level and time spent with children were also explored.