The psychological impact of the internet on young people with additional support needs (ASN)

INTRODUCTION: This thesis investigates the psychological impact of the internet on adolescents with Additional Support Needs (ASN). Benefits and risks related to internet use have been evidenced in the general population. Little research has considered these factors with young people with ASN.METHODOLOGY: Due to limited research having been completed with the ASN population with regards to the impact of internet use, a systematic review was conducted considering the long -term psychological impact of cyberbullying on children and adolescents in the mainstream population. In addition, an empirical study was conducted with a total of 36 young people with ASN (aged 13 -18) who participated in one of six focus groups. Group discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed using Framework Analysis.RESULTS: Findings of the systematic review showed that a range of difficulties (including depression, quality of life outcomes, substance use and aggression) were considered to be linked to the experience of cyberbullying in the general child and adolescent population. Although variation between studies existed, the review does show a tentative trend that cyberbullying is linked to long -term negative psychological outcomes. The empirical study using Focus Group data identified two main themes: Identity and Connectedness and Issues relating to Risk. Theme one indicated that young people with ASN were making use of the internet to develop their own identity, competence and sense of social connectedness; suggesting that internet use for this group can have a positive impact on their psychological well- being. Some potential barriers to this were also identified. With regards to the second theme, it was shown that young people with ASN do experience risk on the internet. It was highlighted that young people with ASN are aware of a range of risks online, are able to make use of some risk management strategies to stay safe but also experience particular difficulties which can negatively impact on their ability to protect themselves against potential psychological harm as a result of internet use. Considered together it was therefore found that the internet may provide important opportunities for young people with ASN with the potential of having a positive psychological impact. This must be considered however in the context of risks present to this group when online and their ability to manage these effectively.DISCUSSION: Findings were discussed in relation to the relevant literature considering the specific advantages and risks relating to internet use by children and adolescents with ASN. Clinical implications and areas for future research were highlighted as well as the strengths and limitations of the current study.CONCLUSION: This thesis demonstrates that young people with ASN are making use of the internet and able to benefit from it in the same way as other children and adolescents. However, this population has also been shown to be at risk online and may be more vulnerable due to their impaired ability in particular areas of functioning, when compared to young people without ASN. Additional research into this area is required to ensure that this group are being adequately supported to remain safe online whilst taking full advantage of what the internet has to offer

Exploration of the risk factors associated with online sexual grooming and professionals’ experiences of looked after children’s internet use

The internet is well saturated within today’s society raising anxieties for parents, carers and professionals in regard to the potential risks that children and young people could be exposed to online and how best to safeguard them from these. The risk factors associated with online sexual grooming have been explored within the existing literature although not in a systematic manner. Therefore, a systematic review was conducted to explore the characteristics and risk factors that enhance children and young people’s vulnerability to online sexual grooming. Findings revealed a number of significant associations and a complex interplay between the individual, community, their relationships and cultural factors. Previous research has demonstrated inconsistencies in regard to whether looked after children are more at risk online than their peers. Limited research exists which explores professionals’ experiences of managing their online safeguarding responsibilities. The second study used a Grounded Theory method to explore professionals’ experience of looked after children’s online use and how they balance their safeguarding responsibilities whilst supporting these young people to access online opportunities. The impact that safeguarding policies and practices have on looked after children’s ability to access these opportunities and develop resilience was also explored. It was revealed that although professionals identified that looked after children are vulnerable online, they are perhaps not any more so than some of their peers. Restrictive practices were highlighted to impact on these young people’s access to online benefits and professionals’ opportunities to educate and safeguard. This was discussed in the context of preparing these young people for life post care. These findings should be considered by parents, carers and professionals that have online safeguarding responsibilities and an influential role in the development of online policy or provision

The Youth Transitions Study: Final Report - Summary of Key Findings

falsePalmerstnon Nort

Addressing the cyber safety challenge: from risk to resilience

Addressing the cyber safety challenge: from risk to resilience describes the cyber safety issues emerging from a range of technology trends, how different populations are using technologies and the risks they face, and how we can effectively respond to each group’s unique cyber safety needs. Written by the University of Western Sydney for Telstra Corporation Ltd, the report advocates for continuing to move cyber safety from a ‘risk and protection’ framework to one that focuses on building digital resilience, as well as fostering trust and confidence in the online environment. To do this we need to: Address the needs of populations often neglected by current policies and programs – including adults, seniors, parents, and small to medium enterprises Continue to build the digital literacy skills of all populations, because digital literacy strongly influences users’ ability to engage safely online – this is best achieved by a hands-on learning approach Keep risk in perspective – the risks and benefits of digital participation go hand in hand Broaden the focus from awareness-raising to long-term behaviour change. As digital technologies become further integrated into the everyday lives of Australians, users are potentially exposed to greater risks. However, the risks and benefits of digital participation go hand in hand. The challenge, therefore, is to support users to minimise the risks without limiting their digital participation and their capacity to derive the full benefits of connectivity. If Australians are to benefit as either consumers or providers of online services and products in the e-commerce environment, consumer safety and trust need to be improved. Cyber safety needs to be considered against a transforming backdrop of technology trends, products and practices. While the rise of social media has tended to dominate recent debate and developments in cyber safety, particularly in relation to young people, a range of other trends is also shaping how users engage online, the risks they potentially face in the new media landscape, and the strategies used to address them. These trends include the rise of user generated content and content sharing platforms; the uptake of mobile technologies and, in particular, the adoption of smartphones; cloud computing; platform integration and single sign-on mechanisms; and the rise of GPS and location based services

Regulating Social Research: Exploring the Implications of Extending Ethical Review Procedures in Social Research

Reflecting on my experience of leading several qualitative research projects to investigate \'sensitive\' topics with potentially \'vulnerable\' participants, this paper considers the impact and consequences of increased ethical regulation in relation to my own research field and social research more generally. It argues that extending ethical regulation threatens social research in general, and specifically, threatens the study of \'sensitive\' topics with \'vulnerable\' populations. The consequences of increased ethical regulation may contradict its intention and place \'vulnerable\' participants at greater risk than \'sensitive\' research undertaken with such groups in earlier historical periods. The paper urges social researchers to act collectively, to engage with ethical regulatory regimes in order to challenge the threats they pose to scholarship, and by doing so, defend the value of social research for advancing knowledge so that our scholarship might better serve the populations we study.Ethical Regulation, Sensitive Topics, Vulnerable Groups, Social Research, ESRC

The Youth Transitions Study: Final Report

falsePalmerson Nort