Factors Associated with Risky Online Behaviour and Lifetime Online Victimization Among Children and Adolescents in Juba: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

IF 2.2 Q2 FAMILY STUDIES

Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma Pub Date : 2026-04-28 eCollection Date: 2026-09-01 DOI:10.1007/s40653-026-00885-4

Marcus Hollington, Bhaso Ndzendze, Robyn Williams, Ezethu Nsiki

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Africa's rapid digital transition has increased children's online risk exposure, yet evidence from fragile states is lacking. This study examines Risky Online Behaviours (ROB) and victimization among children in Juba, South Sudan, a post-conflict setting with uneven connectivity, systemic challenges, and scarce mental health resources, heightening trauma potential.

Methods: A cross-sectional household survey of 528 children aged 8-17 years in Juba used purposive sampling and face-to-face interviews. ROB was a composite binary measure of five interpersonal behaviours. Lifetime online victimization covered harassment, bullying, or abuse. Analysis employed descriptive statistics, univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: Prevalence was high: 69% engaged in at least one ROB, and 23% reported lifetime online victimization. Analyses confirmed a strong bidirectional relationship between ROB and online victimization and vice versa. Key predictors included higher education (secondary students, UOR: 7.66; p < 0.001; CI: 4.09-14.34; AOR: 6.45; p < 0.001; CI: 3.15-13.20 for ROB) and male gender. Educational internet use was protective (UOR: 0.44; p < 0.001; CI: 0.29-0.67; AOR: 0.44; p < 0.001; CI: 0.27-0.70 for lifetime online victimization), while moderate daily use of the internet (1-5 h) increased odds (AOR = 1.63) of lifetime online victimization.

Conclusion: This study provides first empirical evidence of extensive online risks for children in South Sudan, revealing a harmful cycle between behaviour and victimization. Findings urge context-specific, evidence-based interventions informed by the African Union Child Online Safety Policy. Priorities include school-based programs at key transitions, promoting positive digital engagement, and trauma-informed support in vulnerable, digitally evolving settings.

查看原文本刊更多论文

朱巴儿童和青少年中与危险网络行为和终生网络受害相关的因素：一项横断面分析。

背景：非洲的快速数字化转型增加了儿童的网络风险，但缺乏来自脆弱国家的证据。本研究调查了南苏丹朱巴儿童的危险在线行为（ROB）和受害情况，这是一个冲突后环境，连通性不均衡，面临系统性挑战，精神卫生资源稀缺，增加了创伤的可能性。方法：采用有目的抽样和面对面访谈的方法对朱巴地区528名8-17岁儿童进行横断面家庭调查。ROB是五种人际行为的复合二元测量。终生在线受害者包括骚扰、欺凌或虐待。分析采用描述性统计、单变量和多变量logistic回归。结果：患病率很高：69%的人至少参与一次抢劫，23%的人报告终生在线受害。分析证实，ROB与网络受害之间存在很强的双向关系，反之亦然。主要预测因素包括高等教育（中学生，UOR: 7.66; p）结论：本研究首次提供了南苏丹儿童广泛的网络风险的经验证据，揭示了行为与受害之间的有害循环。调查结果敦促根据非洲联盟儿童在线安全政策采取针对具体情况的循证干预措施。优先事项包括在关键过渡阶段开展以学校为基础的项目，促进积极的数字参与，以及在脆弱的、数字化发展的环境中提供创伤知情支持。

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来源期刊

Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma Multiple-

CiteScore

3.00

自引率

6.70%

发文量

期刊介绍： Underpinned by a biopsychosocial approach, the Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma presents original research and prevention and treatment strategies for understanding and dealing with symptoms and disorders related to the psychological effects of trauma experienced by children and adolescents during childhood and where the impact of these experiences continues into adulthood. The journal also examines intervention models directed toward the individual, family, and community, new theoretical models and approaches, and public policy proposals and innovations. In addition, the journal promotes rigorous investigation and debate on the human capacity for agency, resilience and longer-term healing in the face of child and adolescent trauma. With a multidisciplinary approach that draws input from the psychological, medical, social work, sociological, public health, legal and education fields, the journal features research, intervention approaches and evidence-based programs, theoretical articles, specific review articles, brief reports and case studies, and commentaries on current and/or controversial topics. The journal also encourages submissions from less heard voices, for example in terms of geography, minority status or service user perspectives. Among the topics examined in the Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma: The effects of childhood maltreatment Loss, natural disasters, and political conflict Exposure to or victimization from family or community violence Racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation or class discrimination Physical injury, diseases, and painful or debilitating medical treatments The impact of poverty, social deprivation and inequality Barriers and facilitators on pathways to recovery The Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma is an important resource for practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and academics whose work is centered on children exposed to traumatic events and adults exposed to traumatic events as children.