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Background <p>Autistic adolescents are particularly vulnerable to being victims of Internet threats. Despite growing research on adolescents' digital lives and their exposure to Internet threats, the perspectives of autistic adolescents about Internet threats they experience remain underrepresented in empirical studies.</p> Objective <p>This exploratory qualitative pilot study aimed to explore autistic adolescents’ perspectives on Internet threats using the 4 CO:RE Classification of Online Risks to Children—content, contact, conduct, and contract—along with crosscutting risks.</p> Methods <p>Six autistic adolescents aged 16 to 19&#xa0;years participated in this exploratory qualitative pilot study via Zoom semi-structured individual interviews. The 4 CO:RE Classification framework served as the organizing framework for thematic analysis, supported by a Discourse-informed theoretical lens.</p> Results <p>The participants shared their perspectives of Internet content, contact, conduct, and contract threats and threats that were cross-cutting in nature. Autistic adolescents perceived Internet threats had manifestations across the Discourses (social media, online games, and online advertisements) and dimensions (aggressive, sexual, values). They experienced or had exposure to Internet threats such as violence, pornography, cyberbullying, inappropriate and unsolicited sexual behaviors, age-inappropriate marketing, and privacy risks which had adverse effects such as emotional distress.</p> Conclusions <p>This study highlights that using a comprehensive framework such as the 4 CO:RE Classification, offers a deeper understanding of the specific Internet threats faced by autistic adolescents and provides a foundation for researchers, educators, and policymakers to better support their digital rights and wellbeing. These insights are essential for shaping future approaches that promote safe, confident, and supported online engagement for all adolescents including neurodiverse young people.</p>

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Autistic Adolescent Perspectives on Internet Threats: Findings from an Exploratory Pilot Study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月1日

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  • Bessie G. Stone,
  • Christine Yates,
  • Beth Saggers,
  • Rachel Aberdein

摘要

Background

Autistic adolescents are particularly vulnerable to being victims of Internet threats. Despite growing research on adolescents' digital lives and their exposure to Internet threats, the perspectives of autistic adolescents about Internet threats they experience remain underrepresented in empirical studies.

Objective

This exploratory qualitative pilot study aimed to explore autistic adolescents’ perspectives on Internet threats using the 4 CO:RE Classification of Online Risks to Children—content, contact, conduct, and contract—along with crosscutting risks.

Methods

Six autistic adolescents aged 16 to 19 years participated in this exploratory qualitative pilot study via Zoom semi-structured individual interviews. The 4 CO:RE Classification framework served as the organizing framework for thematic analysis, supported by a Discourse-informed theoretical lens.

Results

The participants shared their perspectives of Internet content, contact, conduct, and contract threats and threats that were cross-cutting in nature. Autistic adolescents perceived Internet threats had manifestations across the Discourses (social media, online games, and online advertisements) and dimensions (aggressive, sexual, values). They experienced or had exposure to Internet threats such as violence, pornography, cyberbullying, inappropriate and unsolicited sexual behaviors, age-inappropriate marketing, and privacy risks which had adverse effects such as emotional distress.

Conclusions

This study highlights that using a comprehensive framework such as the 4 CO:RE Classification, offers a deeper understanding of the specific Internet threats faced by autistic adolescents and provides a foundation for researchers, educators, and policymakers to better support their digital rights and wellbeing. These insights are essential for shaping future approaches that promote safe, confident, and supported online engagement for all adolescents including neurodiverse young people.