In this project the researchers will investigate how young people aged 13–19 experience and cope with sexual harassment online.
Digitalisation has reshaped young people’s social lives and introduced new forms of risk. Sexual harassment on digital platforms is an increasing societal concern that affects safety, mental health, and social relationships.
To strengthen the knowledge base in this field, NOVA will investigate how young people aged 13–19 experience and cope with sexual harassment online.
The study maps the scope, patterns, and variations of digital sexual harassment across gender, age, and digital habits. It also examines how young people interpret and understand the boundaries of sexual harassment in different digital contexts.
A key objective is to explore the strategies young people use to protect themselves and to assess how well platform safety mechanisms work in practice.
The project aims to generate knowledge that can support prevention, protection, and policy development in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Data and method
Using a platform-sensitive approach, the project examines five types of digital arenas: social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms and chat forums, school platforms, and anonymous services.
Methodologically, the study combines large-scale survey data, qualitative interviews, text analysis, and digital ethnography. Young people also participate as co-researchers to ensure relevance and insight into norms and practices in digital environments.
