Understanding and Combatting Youth Experiences of Image-Based Sexual Harassment and Abuse

KEY FINDINGS

Technology facilitates image-based sexual harassment and abuse
Social media platforms create opportunities for users to engage in image-based sexual harassment and abuse, through their various technical functions-referred to as ‘technological affordances’ (boyd, 2014). In particular, Snapchat enables image-based sexual harassment and abuse through its quick adds, shout outs, streaks, score points and lack of identity verification
measures. Instagram facilitates unwanted sexual content through its direct message and group chat features.




Image-based sexual harassment overwhelmingly impacts girls
First, adolescent girls often reported receiving unwanted images of male genitals (i.e. cyberflashing) from unknown adult men, and known and unknown boys (same-aged peers). A large majority of girls who received such images reported feeling ‘disgusted’, ‘embarrassed’, and ‘confused’.

Second, girls commonly reported receiving requests for sexual images from unknown adult men, and known and unknown boys (same-aged peers). Of those who had been asked to send nudes, girls felt more pressure to do so, compared to boys. Solicitation was often initiated through being sent an unsolicited dick pic-referred to as a ‘transactional dick pic.’




Image-based sexual abuse is heavily influenced by gender norms, and an intersectional approach to contextualised harm is needed
Boys were rewarded for sharing girls’ images amongst their peers, as an indication of their masculinity status. Girls were shamed and victim-blamed for having their image shared without their consent. Further, IBSA risk and harms are not simply gendered but also, deeply classed and raced, with young people having variable access to support. Thus, we argue for a nuanced approach to understanding and contextualising digital sexual violence.




Young people rarely report image-based sexual harassment and abuse
Young people experienced very little relevant and useful support in mitigating these online harms. Rates of reporting to either the social media platforms or to parents or school were nearly non-existent.




Need for more effective and age-appropriate digital sex education
Participants discussed a range of strategies for improving the education and support they receive in schools, emphasising the need for schools to move away from victim-blaming approaches, as well as assembly format lectures. Participants explained that their digital sex education could be improved if it were delivered in smaller group formats, with younger facilitators. They also discussed lowering the age at which they learn topics related to digital sex education.