A Grounded Theory Exploration of Perspectives, Underlying Factors, and Preventive Strategies of Online Sexual Abuse: A Stakeholders' View

Background: Sexual abuse of children is a growing social concern, with online communication significantly facilitating access to vulnerable children and increasing the risk of sexual abuse, particularly on online platforms. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the experiences, underlying factors, consequences, and preventive strategies of online sexual abuse from the perspectives of subject-matter experts. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in 2023 in Birjand, South Khorasan Province, Iran. The participants included 15 specialists in sex education who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews until data saturation was achieved and were analyzed using Corbin and Strauss’s method. Results: Data analysis using the grounded theory approach revealed five main categories, ten axial codes, and 41 open codes: (1) Easy access to high-risk cyberspace, (2) failure to understand the potential risks of cyberspace (e.g., unsupervised content production and parents' preoccupation with personal concerns), (3) immaturity in social interactions (e.g., hidden shame and fear of discussing sexual issues, ineffective parent-child communication), (4) harms of unsupervised cyberspace (e.g., psycho-social harm and early sexual awakening), and (5) awareness and clarification as keys to preventive support (e.g., raising parental awareness, providing parental education, and seeking professional counseling support). Conclusions: Knowledge about online child sexual abuse in Iran is limited. The findings from this study provide valuable insights that can contribute to the development of effective strategies for preventing online sexual abuse in children and adolescents.