Mental Health
Understanding adolescent criminal and risky online sexual behaviors in the context of mental health and well-being: Findings from a multi-national European cybercrime study
Open Access: Yes.
Abstract
Using a large multi-national data set of young people in Europe, this paper considers (i) the prevalence of three risky online sexual behaviors: sexting, self-generated sexual images, and watching pornography; (ii) demographic differences with respect to age and gender; and (iii) whether these three risky behaviors are associated with depression, anxiety and stress. Findings indicate that males engaged in all three behaviors more than females. Engaging in all three behaviors was associated with significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The implications for educational programs and policy are discussed in the context of the findings.
Relevance
“This study shows that a significant number of European youths engage in sexting, the sharing of indecent sexual images, and watching adult pornography.” Each of these “risky sexual online behaviors was associated with significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, which rose with more frequent engagement.”
Citation
Davidson, J., Aiken, M., Gekoski, A., Netuveli, G., Farr, R., & Deac, A. (2024). Understanding adolescent criminal and risky online sexual behaviors in the context of mental health and well-being: Findings from a multi-national European cybercrime study. Victims & Offenders. https://doi.org/10.1080/15564886.2024.2408675
