Online Sexual Exploitation against School Children in Hong Kong: An Application of the Vignette Approach in Research to Practice

• In Event: Online Safety: From Research to Practice

Abstract

Online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) is a pressing global issue, exacerbated by the growing digital engagement of children and adolescents. This study introduces a robust, step-by-step protocol for utilizing the vignette approach to research and address OSEC, focusing on its application in Hong Kong's educational context. A total of 16 vignettes, developed in text, video, and audio formats, were constructed and validated by three expert panel groups, ensuring clarity, authenticity, and realism. Then, these vignettes were adopted to capture the perceptions of OSEC prevalence, risk factors, and responses from 80 school personnel across 20 schools. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the vignette approach in eliciting candid insights into sensitive topics, as it reduces social desirability bias and facilitates a situational understanding. While respondents acknowledged the rising trend of OSEC, barriers such as cultural taboos, underreporting, and limited mandatory reporting mechanisms were identified. This study not only offers a replicable framework for vignette development but also underscores its potential to bridge research and practice, informing policies and interventions to safeguard children from online exploitation. These vignettes can be utilized in combination with Lego bricks for research investigation and prevention practice, offering an innovative approach to understanding and addressing OSEC.

Author

• Jessica C.M. Li, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University