Technology Assisted Harmful Sexual Behaviour - can social media ban assist?
Girish Vaidya
Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Medicolegal Expert Witness, Healthcare Analytics.
This BBC News headline and a paper on Technology Assisted Harmful Sexual Behaviour (TA - HSB) prompts me to write this newsletter.
I work in a Forensic CAMHS team where we assess and provide therapeutic support to young people who are a risk to others. Similar risk assessments are also part of the medicolegal work I do in supporting Local Authorities in developing care packages for children in their care.
The research paper is important because in the ever evolving landscape of technology and social media clamour, a professional's risk assessment is often crucial - though not always 100% accurate!
The study by Galvin et al. (2024) examined 289 youth referred to a forensic child and adolescent mental health service (FCAMHS), finding that 60% had engaged in some form of TA-HSB. This alarmingly high prevalence highlights how technology is increasingly being used to facilitate HSB among young people.
Key findings include:
1. Demographics: While males made up the majority of TA-HSB cases, females comprised a higher percentage (18.6%) of the TA-HSB only group compared to offline or dual HSB groups. This suggests we need targeted approaches for female youth engaging in online HSB.
2. Living arrangements: Youth engaging solely in TA-HSB were more likely to be living with their birth family (74.4%) compared to those with offline or dual HSB. This aligns with previous research showing online-only offenders often come from more stable backgrounds.
3. Risk profiles: The TA-HSB group displayed complex risk profiles beyond just sexual behavior concerns. Many had issues with aggression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. This emphasizes the need for comprehensive assessment and intervention. In the table from the study (below), the proportion displaying aggression/violence and self-harm is noteworthy.
4. Types of TA-HSB: The most common forms were inappropriate use of adult pornography, possessing/distributing indecent images of children, and youth-produced sexual imagery. These findings are consistent with other studies on technology-facilitated sexual behavior in adolescents.
5. Harmful to self vs. others: In both TA-HSB and dual HSB groups, behaviors harmful to others were more common than those only harmful to self. This highlights the potential for victimization.
These results have important implications for practice:
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1. We need to improve detection of TA-HSB, as many youth may not come to clinical attention without other risk factors. Many parents and professionals are unaware of the strategies to raise this issue even where suspicion exists.
2. Comprehensive assessment is crucial, as TA-HSB often co-occurs with other mental health and behavioral issues. In my clinical and medicolegal practice, it is often associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
3. Interventions should be tailored to address the specific risks and needs associated with TA-HSB, which may differ from offline HSB. This may include measures to address neurodevelopmental disorders and improve self-esteem.
4. Prevention efforts should focus on education around healthy online behavior and the risks of inappropriate technology use. Would a social media ban as outlined by the Aussie govt help?
5. Parents and schools play a vital role in monitoring and guiding youth's online activities. Parents and teachers - the two adult figures always in a child's life probably need training too.
As technology continues to evolve, so too will the nature of TA-HSB. Ongoing research and clinical vigilance are essential to effectively address this growing concern and safeguard our youth.
Some useful research papers linked below:
So, what do you think? Please share your thoughts below. Feel free to subscribe to this newsletter where I discuss mental health issues related to children and young people.