Online sexual grooming (a manipulative process in which the perpetrator locates a young person an... more Online sexual grooming (a manipulative process in which the perpetrator locates a young person and creates an abusive relationship with the child that involves sexual exploitation) poses significant challenges to parents. This study examined how parents of adolescent victims of online sexual grooming experienced guiding their children through the event. This qualitative study, conducted in Israel, was based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 parents who guided their adolescents who had been subjected to online sexual grooming. Results indicate that the parents reported a spectrum of emotions, from insecurity and guilt to a sense of control and satisfaction in managing the situation. Also, the reluctance of some parents to engage with the education system indicates potential trust issues. The study demonstrates the urgent need for targeted interventions to equip parents and educational professionals with the necessary knowledge for prevention and effective response to online sexual grooming. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.
The Internet has emerged as a significant source of knowledge about sexuality, particularly becau... more The Internet has emerged as a significant source of knowledge about sexuality, particularly because of its anonymity and easy accessibility. The present study examined the sexual content found on TikTok, a social media platform popular with adolescents. The main research question focused on the types of sexual content and messages prevalent on TikTok. The study also explored the identity of those who share information about sexuality on TikTok, the most popular content consumed, and notable omissions. To address these inquiries, we conducted a content analysis of the top 100 videos tagged with the hashtag #sexuality on TikTok. The findings revealed eight recurring themes in the videos. Content creators on TikTok (TikTokers) promoted a positive perspective on sex, emphasizing pleasure and attraction as an alternative to traditional sexuality education, which tends to focus on the risks associated with teenage sexuality. The relationships portrayed in the videos rely on stereotypical gender norms, and the limited duration of the videos allows providing only superficial information. Topics such as watching porn or using contraceptives, which are considered important aspects of comprehensive sexuality education, were scarce or absent on the TikTok videos sampled. This study can help teachers and counsellors responsible for sexuality education programs better understand the content to which adolescents are exposed, enabling them to adapt their conversations and interactions with students accordingly.
Sexting (sexual correspondence based on text or images) is a behavior that in principle is consid... more Sexting (sexual correspondence based on text or images) is a behavior that in principle is considered normative in the literature as an expression of sexuality in the online space. At the same time, the phenomenon carries risks because it takes place on the Internet and allows its dissemination. It may also be the result of such risk when it is carried out for instrumental motives such as the desire to receive payment. The present study tested the association between sexting motives and behavior as a function of parental and peers' roles to deepen our knowledge of the sexting phenomenon. Participants included 152 adolescents aged 14–19 (M = 15.57) who engaged in sexting. They completed seven online questionnaires. The findings indicate that when the parents used a strategy of technologically restrictive mediation, sexting behaviors with sexual motivations increased, but the same strategy reduced sexting behaviors when the motivations were instrumental. The study also found that high peer cohesion promoted the association between sexual motives and sexting behaviors. The results of the study can inform the design of sexting education and shape parenting practices.
Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) refers to the nonconsensual production, dissemination, or threat ... more Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) refers to the nonconsensual production, dissemination, or threat of dissemination of private sexual images of another. Arabs belong to a conservative society where the distribution of a nude photo constitutes a violation of the dignity of the family and may have serious consequences. Based on semistructured in-depth interviews, the present study examined how 32 Arab educational counselors in Israel handle IBSA. Findings suggest that counselors identified the victim as experiencing difficulties that allowed her to be harmed. Also, it was found that counselors were afraid it might harm the victims on the grounds of family honor. These findings indicate that it is necessary to find culturally sensitive solutions both for the prevention and treatment of this phenomenon.
Sexting (sexual correspondence based on text or images) is a behavior that in principle is consid... more Sexting (sexual correspondence based on text or images) is a behavior that in principle is considered normative in the literature as an expression of sexuality in the online space. At the same time, the phenomenon carries risks because it takes place on the Internet and allows its dissemination. It may also be the result of such risk when it is carried out for instrumental motives such as the desire to receive payment. The present study tested the association between sexting motives and behavior as a function of parental and peers' roles to deepen our knowledge of the sexting phenomenon. Participants included 152 adolescents aged 14–19 (M = 15.57) who engaged in sexting. They completed seven online questionnaires. The findings indicate that when the parents used a strategy of technologically restrictive mediation, sexting behaviors with sexual motivations increased, but the same strategy reduced sexting behaviors when the motivations were instrumental. The study also found that high peer cohesion promoted the association between sexual motives and sexting behaviors. The results of the study can inform the design of sexting education and shape parenting practices.
Sexting (sending, receiving, and forwarding nude, semi-nude, or sexually explicit content) entail... more Sexting (sending, receiving, and forwarding nude, semi-nude, or sexually explicit content) entails risks for adolescents; therefore, it is important for parents to be able to communicate with their children about its implications. The goal of the present study was to identify parental characteristics that lead to dysfunctional communication (lower quality of communication) about sexting, on a sample of 427 parents (336 mothers and 91 fathers) of Israeli adolescents aged 10-18 years and to determine whether parents' perceived severity of sexting and the degree to which they perceive their adolescent to be susceptible to sexting function as mediating factors. Parents completed a set of questionnaires online. Findings indicated that authoritarian and permissive parenting styles were positively associated with dysfunctional parent-child communication about sexting. Authoritative style was inversely related to dysfunctional communication and was mediated by positive attitudes toward sex education. Additionally, authoritative parents were capable of assessing the severity of their children's sexting activities, and the degree to which their children were susceptible to engage in sexting. The quality of the discussion initiated by authoritative parents appears to have enabled them to be aware of adolescent behaviors and to adjust their communication about the inherent risks. Findings suggest that the perception of sexting as too risky diminishes parents' ability to conduct a high-quality discussion about it. In conclusion, research findings emphasize parents' role in mediation of the online experiences of their children and conducting a constructive discussions with them about sexting.
The study examined Israeli youths’ sense of group climate in online and offline educational setti... more The study examined Israeli youths’ sense of group climate in online and offline educational settings, i.e., in Instant Messaging (IM) groups organized by homeroom teachers for their respective students and in the physical classroom environment. Participants included 550 students (152 boys, 398 girls), of ages 10-18, who completed an online survey. The findings reveal that the students perceived the classroom climate to be more positive than that of the IM group in which the homeroom teacher is present. Furthermore, the more positive the perceived face-to-face (FtF) classroom climate was, the more positive the perceived IM group climate. In addition, when both class and IM group climates were perceived to be highly positive, a sense of non-violence among the participants was found to be the highest. These findings shed light on the unique phenomena of homeroom teachers who participate with their students in IM groups. Based on the findings, implications for educators and school couns...
International Journal of School & Educational Psychology, 2020
ABSTRACT Teachers are bullied by their students and their students’ parents, both face to face an... more ABSTRACT Teachers are bullied by their students and their students’ parents, both face to face and online. This victimization affects their psychological well-being and their sense of safety. Moreover, witnessing others being bullying may also cause emotional damage. This study aimed to assess the frequency with which teachers witness face-to-face and cyberbullying of their colleagues, examine the correlation between witnessing colleagues being bullied and emotional distress, and examine the role of school culture (Jewish and Arab) as a factor mediating between witnessing colleagues being bullied and emotional distress. The qualitative study included 330 teachers who completed four online questionnaires: demographic questionnaire, bystander in physical space questionnaire, bystander in cyberspace questionnaire, emotional distress questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlations and multiple regressions, indicating that 93% of the teachers reported witnessing colleagues being bullied in the physical space and 85% reported witnessing cyberbullying. Moreover, the data showed that witnessing bullying, whether online or face-to-face, is positively and significantly associated with emotional distress. In light of these findings, the article concludes with implications for policymakers whose role is to protect and ensure the strength and resilience of those entrusted with the education of our children.
Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 2020
The present study examined sexting habits (sending text messages, as well as nude or semi-nude ph... more The present study examined sexting habits (sending text messages, as well as nude or semi-nude photos, and/or requesting the same from others) among adolescents, as reported by 458 students (101 boys, 357 girls), with the aim of investigating whether and how sexting correlates with parenting styles and manifestations of parental social control. An online link was published on social media, asking participants who meet the research criteria to complete several questionnaires. About 30% of the participants reported sending sexual messages, and almost 32% reported that others, mainly strangers, asked them to send nude or semi-nude photos. Furthermore, sexting was more common among high-school students than among middle-school students, and asking another person to send nude or semi-nude photos was more common among boys than among girls. Lower parental social control was related to increased likelihood of sexting, and higher perception of permissive parenting style was associated with ...
Sexting (sending and receiving sexual messages online), a legitimate means of communication if th... more Sexting (sending and receiving sexual messages online), a legitimate means of communication if there is mutual consent, may put adolescent users at risk. Hence, parents must be able to address their children's sexuality and be capable of mediating the implications of sexting for them. Cultural differences may play a role in this important discourse. The current study sought to identify parental factors that lead to low-quality communication about adolescent sexting in Jewish and Arab societies in Israel. Participants included 427 Israeli parents (Jewish N = 242, 56.7%, Arab N = 185, 43.3%) who answered seven online questionnaires. Results revealed ethnic differences between Arab and Jewish parents with regard to the quality of parent-child communication about sexting. Arab parents tended more toward low-quality communication about sexting than did Jewish parents. Perceived severity of sexting and perceived susceptibility to sexting led to more low-quality communication by Arab than by Jewish parents. Mothers in both societies were better able to mediate sexting and displayed higher parental efficacy than did the fathers. These findings provide useful insights for therapists and parents into the link between parental factors and the quality of communication about sexting with adolescent children.
Online sexual grooming (a manipulative process in which the perpetrator locates a young person an... more Online sexual grooming (a manipulative process in which the perpetrator locates a young person and creates an abusive relationship with the child that involves sexual exploitation) poses significant challenges to parents. This study examined how parents of adolescent victims of online sexual grooming experienced guiding their children through the event. This qualitative study, conducted in Israel, was based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 parents who guided their adolescents who had been subjected to online sexual grooming. Results indicate that the parents reported a spectrum of emotions, from insecurity and guilt to a sense of control and satisfaction in managing the situation. Also, the reluctance of some parents to engage with the education system indicates potential trust issues. The study demonstrates the urgent need for targeted interventions to equip parents and educational professionals with the necessary knowledge for prevention and effective response to online sexual grooming. Implications for future research, policy, and practice are discussed.
The Internet has emerged as a significant source of knowledge about sexuality, particularly becau... more The Internet has emerged as a significant source of knowledge about sexuality, particularly because of its anonymity and easy accessibility. The present study examined the sexual content found on TikTok, a social media platform popular with adolescents. The main research question focused on the types of sexual content and messages prevalent on TikTok. The study also explored the identity of those who share information about sexuality on TikTok, the most popular content consumed, and notable omissions. To address these inquiries, we conducted a content analysis of the top 100 videos tagged with the hashtag #sexuality on TikTok. The findings revealed eight recurring themes in the videos. Content creators on TikTok (TikTokers) promoted a positive perspective on sex, emphasizing pleasure and attraction as an alternative to traditional sexuality education, which tends to focus on the risks associated with teenage sexuality. The relationships portrayed in the videos rely on stereotypical gender norms, and the limited duration of the videos allows providing only superficial information. Topics such as watching porn or using contraceptives, which are considered important aspects of comprehensive sexuality education, were scarce or absent on the TikTok videos sampled. This study can help teachers and counsellors responsible for sexuality education programs better understand the content to which adolescents are exposed, enabling them to adapt their conversations and interactions with students accordingly.
Sexting (sexual correspondence based on text or images) is a behavior that in principle is consid... more Sexting (sexual correspondence based on text or images) is a behavior that in principle is considered normative in the literature as an expression of sexuality in the online space. At the same time, the phenomenon carries risks because it takes place on the Internet and allows its dissemination. It may also be the result of such risk when it is carried out for instrumental motives such as the desire to receive payment. The present study tested the association between sexting motives and behavior as a function of parental and peers' roles to deepen our knowledge of the sexting phenomenon. Participants included 152 adolescents aged 14–19 (M = 15.57) who engaged in sexting. They completed seven online questionnaires. The findings indicate that when the parents used a strategy of technologically restrictive mediation, sexting behaviors with sexual motivations increased, but the same strategy reduced sexting behaviors when the motivations were instrumental. The study also found that high peer cohesion promoted the association between sexual motives and sexting behaviors. The results of the study can inform the design of sexting education and shape parenting practices.
Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) refers to the nonconsensual production, dissemination, or threat ... more Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) refers to the nonconsensual production, dissemination, or threat of dissemination of private sexual images of another. Arabs belong to a conservative society where the distribution of a nude photo constitutes a violation of the dignity of the family and may have serious consequences. Based on semistructured in-depth interviews, the present study examined how 32 Arab educational counselors in Israel handle IBSA. Findings suggest that counselors identified the victim as experiencing difficulties that allowed her to be harmed. Also, it was found that counselors were afraid it might harm the victims on the grounds of family honor. These findings indicate that it is necessary to find culturally sensitive solutions both for the prevention and treatment of this phenomenon.
Sexting (sexual correspondence based on text or images) is a behavior that in principle is consid... more Sexting (sexual correspondence based on text or images) is a behavior that in principle is considered normative in the literature as an expression of sexuality in the online space. At the same time, the phenomenon carries risks because it takes place on the Internet and allows its dissemination. It may also be the result of such risk when it is carried out for instrumental motives such as the desire to receive payment. The present study tested the association between sexting motives and behavior as a function of parental and peers' roles to deepen our knowledge of the sexting phenomenon. Participants included 152 adolescents aged 14–19 (M = 15.57) who engaged in sexting. They completed seven online questionnaires. The findings indicate that when the parents used a strategy of technologically restrictive mediation, sexting behaviors with sexual motivations increased, but the same strategy reduced sexting behaviors when the motivations were instrumental. The study also found that high peer cohesion promoted the association between sexual motives and sexting behaviors. The results of the study can inform the design of sexting education and shape parenting practices.
Sexting (sending, receiving, and forwarding nude, semi-nude, or sexually explicit content) entail... more Sexting (sending, receiving, and forwarding nude, semi-nude, or sexually explicit content) entails risks for adolescents; therefore, it is important for parents to be able to communicate with their children about its implications. The goal of the present study was to identify parental characteristics that lead to dysfunctional communication (lower quality of communication) about sexting, on a sample of 427 parents (336 mothers and 91 fathers) of Israeli adolescents aged 10-18 years and to determine whether parents' perceived severity of sexting and the degree to which they perceive their adolescent to be susceptible to sexting function as mediating factors. Parents completed a set of questionnaires online. Findings indicated that authoritarian and permissive parenting styles were positively associated with dysfunctional parent-child communication about sexting. Authoritative style was inversely related to dysfunctional communication and was mediated by positive attitudes toward sex education. Additionally, authoritative parents were capable of assessing the severity of their children's sexting activities, and the degree to which their children were susceptible to engage in sexting. The quality of the discussion initiated by authoritative parents appears to have enabled them to be aware of adolescent behaviors and to adjust their communication about the inherent risks. Findings suggest that the perception of sexting as too risky diminishes parents' ability to conduct a high-quality discussion about it. In conclusion, research findings emphasize parents' role in mediation of the online experiences of their children and conducting a constructive discussions with them about sexting.
The study examined Israeli youths’ sense of group climate in online and offline educational setti... more The study examined Israeli youths’ sense of group climate in online and offline educational settings, i.e., in Instant Messaging (IM) groups organized by homeroom teachers for their respective students and in the physical classroom environment. Participants included 550 students (152 boys, 398 girls), of ages 10-18, who completed an online survey. The findings reveal that the students perceived the classroom climate to be more positive than that of the IM group in which the homeroom teacher is present. Furthermore, the more positive the perceived face-to-face (FtF) classroom climate was, the more positive the perceived IM group climate. In addition, when both class and IM group climates were perceived to be highly positive, a sense of non-violence among the participants was found to be the highest. These findings shed light on the unique phenomena of homeroom teachers who participate with their students in IM groups. Based on the findings, implications for educators and school couns...
International Journal of School & Educational Psychology, 2020
ABSTRACT Teachers are bullied by their students and their students’ parents, both face to face an... more ABSTRACT Teachers are bullied by their students and their students’ parents, both face to face and online. This victimization affects their psychological well-being and their sense of safety. Moreover, witnessing others being bullying may also cause emotional damage. This study aimed to assess the frequency with which teachers witness face-to-face and cyberbullying of their colleagues, examine the correlation between witnessing colleagues being bullied and emotional distress, and examine the role of school culture (Jewish and Arab) as a factor mediating between witnessing colleagues being bullied and emotional distress. The qualitative study included 330 teachers who completed four online questionnaires: demographic questionnaire, bystander in physical space questionnaire, bystander in cyberspace questionnaire, emotional distress questionnaire. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlations and multiple regressions, indicating that 93% of the teachers reported witnessing colleagues being bullied in the physical space and 85% reported witnessing cyberbullying. Moreover, the data showed that witnessing bullying, whether online or face-to-face, is positively and significantly associated with emotional distress. In light of these findings, the article concludes with implications for policymakers whose role is to protect and ensure the strength and resilience of those entrusted with the education of our children.
Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 2020
The present study examined sexting habits (sending text messages, as well as nude or semi-nude ph... more The present study examined sexting habits (sending text messages, as well as nude or semi-nude photos, and/or requesting the same from others) among adolescents, as reported by 458 students (101 boys, 357 girls), with the aim of investigating whether and how sexting correlates with parenting styles and manifestations of parental social control. An online link was published on social media, asking participants who meet the research criteria to complete several questionnaires. About 30% of the participants reported sending sexual messages, and almost 32% reported that others, mainly strangers, asked them to send nude or semi-nude photos. Furthermore, sexting was more common among high-school students than among middle-school students, and asking another person to send nude or semi-nude photos was more common among boys than among girls. Lower parental social control was related to increased likelihood of sexting, and higher perception of permissive parenting style was associated with ...
Sexting (sending and receiving sexual messages online), a legitimate means of communication if th... more Sexting (sending and receiving sexual messages online), a legitimate means of communication if there is mutual consent, may put adolescent users at risk. Hence, parents must be able to address their children's sexuality and be capable of mediating the implications of sexting for them. Cultural differences may play a role in this important discourse. The current study sought to identify parental factors that lead to low-quality communication about adolescent sexting in Jewish and Arab societies in Israel. Participants included 427 Israeli parents (Jewish N = 242, 56.7%, Arab N = 185, 43.3%) who answered seven online questionnaires. Results revealed ethnic differences between Arab and Jewish parents with regard to the quality of parent-child communication about sexting. Arab parents tended more toward low-quality communication about sexting than did Jewish parents. Perceived severity of sexting and perceived susceptibility to sexting led to more low-quality communication by Arab than by Jewish parents. Mothers in both societies were better able to mediate sexting and displayed higher parental efficacy than did the fathers. These findings provide useful insights for therapists and parents into the link between parental factors and the quality of communication about sexting with adolescent children.
Uploads
Papers by Michal Dolev-Cohen