Sense of Community as a Protective Factor Against Adolescents’ Exposure to Online Risks

Abstract Background Adolescents’ pervasive use of digital tools raises concerns about health outcomes-particularly mental health-due to exposure to harmful online experiences such as inappropriate content, bullying, grooming and scams. Research on online risks has focused on individual behaviors and the roles of adults and peers. Less is known about the broader community context, especially beyond economic indicators of residential areas. Sense of Community (SoC)-encompassing membership, needs fulfillment, influence, emotional bonds, and responsibility within the local area-has been shown to be a protective factor for health and well-being, reflecting the broader social resources individuals can access. However, its role in adolescents’ online risk exposure remains underexplored. This study provides preliminary evidence on this relationship. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2024/25 in seven rural high schools in Tuscany, Italy. Outcomes included exposure to at least one online risk (logistic regression) and the total number of risks experienced (negative binomial regression), using the 4Cs framework (Content, Contact, Conduct, and Commercial risks). Predictors included SoC, social support, loneliness, screen time, online behaviors, social meda use, and parental mediation. Results 829 adolescents participated (54% female; 40% aged ≤15); only 24% had never encountered an online risk. Higher SoC was associated with lower odds of any risk (OR: .50, 95% CI: .25-.97, p<.05) and fewer risks overall (IRR: .78, 95% CI: .61-.99, p<.05). Older age, loneliness, many unknown social media contacts, frequent chats with strangers, engaging in sexting, and using Telegram were linked to greater exposure. Conclusions SoC protects adolescents from online risks, even when adjusting for confounders like social support and loneliness. Reinforcing SoC and routine data collection on online risks and their social determinants should be part of strategies to foster safer online experiences. Key messages • A strong sense of community is associated with lower exposure to online risks among rural adolescents. • Sense of community should be considered a relevant social determinant in strategies to reduce adolescents’ exposure to online risks.