Adolescents’ Exposure to Online Risks: Gender Disparities and Vulnerabilities Related to Online Behaviors

• DOI: 10.20944/preprints202103.0498.v1
• Publication Date: 2021-03-22T09:43:45Z
• Authors: Elena Savoia; Nigel Walsh Harriman; Max Su; Tyler Cote; Neil Shortland
• Keywords: Sample (material); Chat room; Binomial regression

In the last decade, readily available electronic devices have created unprecedented opportunities for teens to access a wide variety of information and media – both positive negative on internet. Despite increasing number initiatives taking place worldwide intended assess mitigate online risks encountered by children adolescents, there is still need better understanding how adolescents use internet what consequences they may face. We conducted cross sectional survey convenience sample 733 8th 9th grade students in Utah. The contained eight questions regarding students’ exposure three types risk scenarios: content risk, contact commercial risk. Independent variables included behaviors, social private messaging apps, adult supervision activities. Logistic binomial regression models indicated that female gender, use, chatting with strangers were associated multiple unsafe scenarios. Our results provide critical practitioners involved development educational building profile potentially risky behaviors allow them tailor their meet needs more vulnerable populations.