Online Grooming and Adolescent Vulnerability: A Developmental Victimology Perspective

• In Event: Victimization of Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Online Grooming is a manipulative process in which minors are exploited by adults on the internet. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable, not only due to cognitive and emotional immaturity, but also their extensive engagement in online environments. From a developmental victimology perspective, the risk of victimization evolves throughout adolescence, as cognitive, emotional, and social changes influence susceptibility to online threats. Early (11–13), middle (14–16), and late (17–19) adolescence are distinct developmental phases in which shifting autonomy-seeking behaviors and the need for social validation may increase exposure to online risks. This study explores the factors contributing to Online Grooming victimization, considering how these vary across different adolescent stages. This research follows a cross-sectional design and examines a sample of Portuguese adolescents (12–17), with data collected through an anonymous classroom questionnaire, which includes validated measures for Internet Use (EU Kids Online), Parental Supervision and Impulsivity (ISRD-4), Self-Esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and Online Grooming victimization (Multidimensional Online Grooming Questionnaire and Questionnaire for Online Sexual Solicitation and Interactions with Adults). Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Law of the University of Porto. It is expected that lower self-esteem, higher impulsivity, and increased social isolation will be associated with greater vulnerability to Online Grooming victimization. Gender differences are expected to emerge, with girls being more frequently targeted, and boys underreporting experiences due to stigma. Middle and late adolescents are anticipated to present the highest risk levels, as they are more active online. Parental supervision is likely to act as a protective factor, whereas online interactions with strangers and public social media profiles are expected to positively correlate with victimization risk. At last, a developmental victimology approach offers valuable insights for prevention strategies, reinforcing the importance of education, parental involvement, and policy measures to safeguard adolescents from digital sexual abuse.

Authors

• Lara Nápoles, Faculty of Law, University of Porto

• Inês Guedes, Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Crime, Justice and Security of the School of Criminology - Faculty of Law of the University of Porto

• Margarida A. Santos, CIJ - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Justice; School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto