The NSPCC have produced a research paper addressing the issue of technology-assisted harmful sexual behaviour.
Technology-assisted harmful sexual behaviour (TA-HSB) is when children and young people use the internet or other technology to engage in sexual activity that may be harmful to themselves and others. TA-HSB covers a range of behaviour including the developmentally inappropriate use of pornography, online sexual abuse, grooming, sexting.
Little is known about the full range of TA-HSB displayed by children and young people. The NSPCC have produced research to explore:
- the backgrounds and characteristics of children who show TA-HSB
- links between TA-HSB and offline HSB
- how professionals respond to TA-HSB.
This is the biggest and most comprehensive study of TA-HSB in the UK to date.
The research article can be viewed here.
For more research and resources relating to TA-HSB, visit the NSPCC website.