Protecting the online safety, security and privacy of autistic children and young people

Abstract

The aim of this PhD thesis was to investigate how autistic children and young people experience online safety risks and what could help them to navigate such risks in the future. In Study 1, two groups of parents (autistic children, n = 63; non-autistic children, n = 41) completed an online survey about their child’s online safety behaviours and wellbeing. Study 2 involved semi-structured interviews with 14 autistic young people aged 11-17 years investigating their first-hand accounts of their online safety experiences. Study 3 piloted two low-fidelity prototype solutions to common online safety scenarios with 11 autistic young people aged 11-18 years, who fed back how these could be improved to help keep themselves safe in the future. Results indicated that autistic children experienced significantly more online safety risks than non-autistic children and poorer wellbeing than autistic children who did not experience online safety risks.. Secondly, autistic young people reported being victims of cyberbullying and online sexual harassment and a desire for more design support to block online comments and/or individuals. Thirdly, autistic young people fed back that visual cues in low-fidelity prototypes of online safety solutions were beneficial in informing their online safety risk management. To conclude, this PhD thesis highlights that autistic children and young people are at risk pertaining to certain online safety risks. The findings will benefit designers looking to develop online safety interventions in ways that autistic children will both accept and can actively benefit from. This research will shape the direction of future interventions and policy for this population and thus will help to protect autistic children and young people online.