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

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Davidson, Julia C. (Author) ; Aiken, Mary (Author) ; Gekoski, Anna 1974- (Author) ; Netuveli, Gopal (Author) ; Farr, Ruby (Author) ; Deac, Alexandra (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2025
In: Victims & offenders
Year: 2025, Volume: 20, Issue: 7, Pages: 1331-1356
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
youth online risk taking
youth cybercrime
online harms
risky sexual behaviors
Cybercrime
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:1556-4991
DOI:10.1080/15564886.2024.2408675