The Role of Social Media Networks in Sexual Harassment of Children and Proposed Methods to Confront it From a Social Work Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to identify the role of social media networks in the sexual harassment of children and the methods to confront it from a social work perspective in the Palestinian society. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach and used a questionnaire as the primary tool for data collection. The study population consisted of all social workers in the Child Department of the Ministry of Social Development (45), with the sample selected through a comprehensive survey of all members, and (43) social workers responded. The results indicate that the role of social media networks in the sexual harassment of children is high, as are the methods of confronting this phenomenon. No statistically significant differences were found in participants’ responses attributed to gender, place of residence, years of experience, educational level, or specialization. The findings also revealed that children’s easy access to social media without supervision, and the absence of alternative recreational activities, contribute to their increased exposure to online harassment. The study recommends conducting further research on the impacts of sexual harassment on children, developing awareness and therapeutic programs for parents and children, and establishing clear strategies for social workers to address the phenomenon.