Youth Experiences of Online Harm and Aggression during the Covid-19 Pandemic

• In Event: COVID-19, Violence, and Victimization

Abstract

Surveys administered around the world indicate, overall, negative mental health affects for youth during the initial lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during the subsequent waves of lockdowns well into 2021. With increases in screen time especially during periods of lockdown, concerns were raised among parents and educators regarding the various ‘cyber-risks’ youth were exposed to, including cyberbullying and what we refer to as ‘cyber-risks’ – a spectrum of harm that may include criminal violations to socially transgressive behaviors. This research examines teen experiences with their parents, schools, and ‘cyber-risk’ during the initial COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, following their experiences to the present with a focus on their mental health and wellbeing. Here, drawing from qualitative interviews with teens (about half of our sample including gender non-binary and trans youth) in an urban Western region, we primarily focus on youth experiences with cyberbullying – whether there were felt increases in online aggression and harassment – and experiences with related harms such as non-consensual sexting, drug use, hackers, and identity fraud, among others. We touch on youth strategies for coping with these challenges, evidencing agency in the face of extraordinary societal challenges.

Authors

• Michael Adorjan, University of Calgary

• Rosemary Ricciardelli, Memorial University

• Jay Cavanagh, University of Calgary