Early Adolescent Online Sexual Risks on Smartphones and Social Media: Parental Awareness and Protective Practices

Abstract

Early adolescent children communicate on smartphones and social media, resulting in online sexual risks and potential adverse health outcomes. This study investigated parents’ awareness of early adolescent engagement in online sexual risks on smartphones and social media and the protective practices used to mitigate these risks. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 English-speaking parents of early adolescent children 11–14 years old in North and South Carolina. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach and thematic analysis. Parents expressed awareness of online sexual risks on smartphones and social media and engaged in protective practices to mitigate online risks, including communication and restrictions tailored to accessed content and social connections with unknown individuals online. Professionals can support parents through education targeted to risks and protective measures associated with these online devices and platforms.