Technology-Assisted Sexual Abuse of Children and Repeat Victimization: Mentalization as a Potential Risk Factor

Children and young people (CYP) increasingly engage with technology, benefiting from social connectivity and learning but also facing risks of technology-assisted sexual abuse (TASA). Despite these risks, children's services rarely assess online behaviors, leaving gaps in intervention pathways. This paper explores factors contributing to CYP’s vulnerability to TASA, emphasizing mentalization - the ability to understand one’s own and others’ mental states - as a key risk factor. Poor mentalization may heighten susceptibility to online exploitation and impair resilience against trauma. We introduce i-Minds, a novel digital health intervention (DHI) designed to enhance emotional regulation and relational resilience in CYP affected by TASA. A feasibility study indicates promising improvements post-treatment. Our findings underscore the need for evidence-based digital interventions to support CYP in managing the psychological impact of online abuse and preventing future harm, highlighting the potential of mentalization-based approaches in promoting online safety and well-being.