Help-seeking and Coping Strategies for Technology-facilitated Abuse Experienced by Youth

Technology provides youth (ages 10–17) with near-constant opportunities for learning, communication, and self-expression. It can also expose them to technology-facilitated abuse: harassment, coercion, fraud, and more. The ability of youth to navigate such abuse is crucial for their well-being and development. A recent advisory by the U.S. Surgeon General called for better support of youth, including that youth should “reach out for help.” However, little is known about how youth seek help or otherwise cope with technology-facilitated abuse. Through a qualitative study in the U.S., we examine how youth engage in self-reliance, seek help from others, and how others seek help on a youth’s behalf. We discuss these strategies and outline opportunities for how the HCI community can better support youth who experience technology-facilitated abuse.