Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this meta-analysis was to provide a synthesis of studies examining
the prevalence of unwanted online exposure and solicitation of a sexual nature among
youth, and to determine if prevalence varies by youth age, gender, year of study data
collection, or study geographical location.
Method
Eligible studies from January 1990 to January 2016 were identified utilizing a comprehensive
search strategy. Included studies examined the prevalence of unwanted online exposure
and solicitation in youth who ranged from 12 to 16.5 years. Two independent coders
extracted all relevant data. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to derive mean
prevalence rates.
Results
Thirty-one (37,649 participants) and nine (18,272 participants) samples were included
in the syntheses on unwanted online sexual exposure and solicitation, respectively.
For online exposure, the mean prevalence rate was 20.3% (95% confidence interval:
17.1–23.4). For online solicitation, the mean prevalence rate was 11.5% (95% confidence
interval: 9.4–13.6). Moderator analyses indicated that prevalence rates for unwanted
online exposure and solicitation have decreased over time. Prevalence varied as a
function of gender (solicitations were higher for males), but not age or geographical
location.
Conclusions
Approximately one in five youth experience unwanted online exposure to sexually explicit
material and one in nine youth experience online sexual solicitation. Educational
campaigns to raise awareness of Internet risks and safety strategies are warranted.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 16, 2018
Accepted:
March 6,
2018
Received in revised form:
February 15,
2018
Received:
June 27,
2017
Footnotes
☆Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article to disclose.
☆Financial Disclosures: The authors have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.
☆Contributors’ Statement: Dr. Madigan conceptualized and designed the study, drafted the initial manuscript, carried out the analyses, and approved the final manuscript as submitted.
Identification
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