Technology-Related Sexual Solicitation of Adolescents: A Review of Prevention Efforts

Information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly the internet and internet‐enabled devices, have rapidly become integral to adolescents' lives in high‐income countries. ICTs are associated with many benefits, but there are risks associated with digital technology. This paper examines one such risk: When adults use ICTs, including social networking sites, mobile phones and smartphones, to sexually solicit adolescents. We describe youth who appear to be more vulnerable to technology‐related sexual solicitations from adults and examine the developmental factors that place adolescents at particular risk. Perpetrators who use technology to electronically groom youth are described, including adults working in youth‐serving organisations. Current digital media safety lessons and messages are described, and suggestions for additional ways to safeguard youth from technology‐related sexual solicitations are offered. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ‘Examines… when adults use ICTs… to sexually solicit adolescents’ Key Practitioner Messages Although known cases of technology‐related sexual solicitation are few in number, public concern about ‘online predators’ has amplified and considerable resources have been put toward legal responses and prevention resources. Cyber‐safety resources lack evidence of effectiveness and many contain inaccurate warnings that do not address the real dynamics of this type of sexual crime against youth. Few safety messages inform youth and parents about grooming using mobile phones, and fewer address the dangers of youth having romantic relationships with adults. ‘Cyber‐safety resources… do not address the real dynamics of this type of sexual crime against youth’