Cited by 29Child Abuse and TraumaSexual Assault and Victimization StudiesChild Development and Digital Technology

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: Parental Discussion, Protective Practices and Attitudes

Rudolph, Julia I., Walsh, Kerryann, Shanley, Dianne C., Zimmer-Gembeck, Melanie J.·2022·Journal of Interpersonal Violence

Abstract

Understanding parental practices and attitudes regarding child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention could be used to improve CSA prevention, but little information is available. In this study, we summarise survey data collected from 248 Australian and UK parents (87% female) with at least one child aged 6-11 years ( M = 8.6, SD = 1.8). This is the first study to quantify parental use of protective practices, other than prevention education, which may guard against CSA. Parental media mediation, which may safeguard against online dangers, was another unique focus of this study. Participants reported their discussion of sensitive topics with their children including CSA; behaviors that may reduce the incidence of CSA (e.g., monitoring, supervision, delegation of care and checking-in with the child); mediation of their child's media use; and attitudes towards CSA prevention education. Parents reported discussing sexual abuse less than other sensitive topics such as abduction dangers, drugs, and death but more than issues surrounding puberty, sex and pornography. Parents reported using high levels of protective behaviours, however some areas of concern were revealed. Of concern was the low-moderate level of parental media mediation, with substantial numbers of children potentially exposed to online risks such as using devices unsupervised in bedrooms or chatting to individuals unknown to their parents and not having their devices checked for concerning content. Almost all parents were supportive of CSA prevention education and felt they should provide this education. However, two-thirds of parents thought CSA education may be associated with harms for the child and two-thirds of parents believed children could prevent their own abuse. Reported results will aid in our understanding of which areas of parenting could be strengthened to create safer environments for children. This research has particularly highlighted the need for parents to be more protective around their children’s access to online devices.

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Authors
Rudolph, J. I., Walsh, K., Shanley, D. C., & Zimmer-Gembeck, M. J.
Affiliations
  • Griffith University (AU)
  • Queensland University of Technology (AU)
  • Griffith University
Corresponding author
Rudolph, Julia I.
Venue
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
Published
2022-01-29
Volume
37
Issue
23-24
Pages
NP22375-NP22400
ISSN
  • 0886-2605 (ISSN-L)
  • 1552-6518
OpenAlex
W4210526813
Cited by
29
References
69
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 5 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 3
FWCI
5.72
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Interpersonal Violence (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Greenwich Academic Literature Archive (University of Greenwich) (acceptedVersion)
  • Griffith Research Online (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Australian Research Council (LP13010030)
  • Griffith University Post-Doctoral research
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
  • Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies
  • Social Sciences › Education › Child Development and Digital Technology
Keywords
child sexual abuse prevention, child online safety
MeSH terms
Australia, Child, Child Abuse, Child Abuse, Sexual, Female, Humans, Male, Parents, Parenting

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