Autistic adolescent and young people's views on Internet threats: an exploratory pilot study of Internet safety

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this project is to learn about autistic adolescent and young people's views on threats to safe and positive Internet engagement. The study also aims to gain autistic adolescents’ views of which threats they think apply to themselves.

Are you looking for people like me?

The research team is inviting participation in this research project if you are:

• an adolescent aged 12–19 years old
• have a medical diagnosis of autism
• have frequent engagement in Internet activities or a high interest in online activities such as online gaming and use of social media.

What will you ask me to do?

Your participation will involve a Zoom audio and video recorded/audio recorded semistructured individual interview at a location of your choice that will take approximately 30 minutes of your time.

You will be asked to engage in a conversation with the researcher. This conversation will explore your interests in Internet related activities, your opinions about the threats of the Internet, and your thoughts about how the threats of the Internet pertain to you. Interview questions will include:

1. Why do you use the Internet?
2. What Internet threats do you think there are for people of your age?
3. What threats do you think about when you go online?

Your participation in this research project is entirely voluntary. If you do agree to participate you can withdraw from the research project without comment or penalty. You can withdraw anytime during the interview. If you withdraw within two weeks after your interview, and you request this, any information already obtained that can be linked to you will be destroyed. Your decision to participate or not participate will in no way impact on your current or future relationship with QUT.

You will be able to review a transcript of your responses after the interview and to confirm that these responses have been reported accurately.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

The research team has identified the following possible risks in relation to participating in this study:

Discussion of a sensitive topic

Your discussion of Internet threats may place you at risk of feeling discomfort, sad, upset, or worried. If this happens you will be encouraged to seek support. The interview will be like a conversation, and you can have a support person such as your parent/caregiver present if you choose.

The researcher will try to reduce the likelihood of you feeling like this by not asking you any direct questions about your personal life. The researcher has worked with adolescents with autism and is qualified to conduct interviews. If at any time during the interview you are showing signs of distress (e.g., very uncomfortable, sad, upset, or worried) the researcher will immediately stop the recording and you will be asked if you need to contact a family member or health professional to talk about any uncomfortable feelings. At the end of the interview, the researcher will check in with you about how you are feeling.

QUT provides for limited free psychology, family therapy or counselling services for research participants of QUT research projects who may experience discomfort or distress as a result of their participation in the research. Should you wish to access this service please call the Clinic Receptionist on 07 3138 0999 (Monday–Friday only 9am–5pm), QUT Psychology and Counselling Clinic, 44 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, and indicate that you are a research participant. Alternatively, Lifeline provides access to online, phone or face-to-face support, call 13 11 14 for 24-hour telephone crisis support. If you are aged up to 25, you can also call the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

Talking about Internet threats that are risks of child abuse, harm, or endangerment

If you were to provide information about you or another child being at significant risk of harm, abuse, or about criminal activity that you experience on the Internet, the researcher has an ethical and legal responsibility to inform the relevant authorities. However, because you are being asked about your views and opinions about Internet threats, rather than asked direct questions about your personal experience with Internet threats it is unlikely that you will disclose any information like this. If our conversation starts to move towards discussion about individuals, events, and locations, the researcher will stop the conversation and remind you about this ethical obligation.

It should be noted that if you do agree to participate you can withdraw from participation in the research project without comment or penalty.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this research project will not benefit you directly. The outcomes of the research, however, can contribute to better understanding of Internet safety for autistic adolescents and young people. You will receive a brief summary of the outcomes of the study when the project has been completed.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To thank you for your time and recognise your contribution should you choose to participate, the research team is offering a $20 voucher. You will be offered a choice of an EB Games gift card, a Coles Myer gift card, or a book voucher.

I am interested - what should I do next?

If you are interested in participating in this study, please seek your parent/caregiver’s permission to contact Dr Bessie Stone via email at bessie.stone@qut.edu.au. You will be provided with further information to ensure that your decision and consent to participate are fully informed.

Download the research project information sheet (DOCX file, 36.8 KB)