How Do Kids View It? Perspectives of 9–17-Year-Olds Relating to Sexting, Grooming, and Barriers to Disclosure

Thorn invests in cutting-edge research that elevates the perspectives and experiences of young people to drive our work combating online child sexual exploitation. We believe strongly that success in this work relies on delivering interventions and tools that reflect the reality of young people’s digital lives and meets them where they are. This workshop will explore a series of research initiatives fielded over the last two years among more than 5,000 9-17-year-olds focused on their attitudes and behaviors around sexting, grooming, and barriers to disclosure. Throughout these topics, the session will include data and discussion of some groups' unique vulnerabilities and experiences, including LGBTQ+ youth, and youth of color. In addition to these three themes, the session will move beyond the data to how these findings are being translated into action through novel programming, tech development, and future-looking trend exploration.