Factors Associated with Risky Online Behaviour and Lifetime Online Victimization Among Children and Adolescents in Juba: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Background: Africa's rapid digital transition has increased children's online risk exposure, yet evidence from fragile states is lacking. This study examines Risky Online Behaviours (ROB) and victimization among children in Juba, South Sudan, a post-conflict setting with uneven connectivity, systemi...

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Publicado en:Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma Vol. 19; no. 3; pp. 1371 - 1389
Autores principales: Hollington, Marcus, Ndzendze, Bhaso, Williams, Robyn, Nsiki, Ezethu
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Springer Nature Sep2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Sep2026
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      pub: Springer Nature
      place: New York, New York
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        10.1007/s40653-026-00885-4
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        atl: Factors Associated with Risky Online Behaviour and Lifetime Online Victimization Among Children and Adolescents in Juba: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.
      aug:
        au:
          Hollington, Marcus
          Ndzendze, Bhaso
          Williams, Robyn
          Nsiki, Ezethu
        affil: Ipsos South Africa, Public Affairs, Johannesburg, South Africa
      sug:
        subj:
          Risk Taking Behavior In Infancy and Childhood
          Risk Taking Behavior In Adolescence
          Internet
          Crime
          Victims
          Psychological Trauma In Infancy and Childhood
          Human
          Funding Source
          South Sudan
          Male
          Female
          Child
          Adolescence
          Cross Sectional Studies
          Surveys
          Purposive Sample
          Interviews
          Descriptive Statistics
          Univariate Statistics
          Multiple Logistic Regression
          Confidence Intervals
          Odds Ratio
          Child: 6-12 years
          Adolescent: 13-18 years
          Male
          Female
      ab: Background: Africa's rapid digital transition has increased children's online risk exposure, yet evidence from fragile states is lacking. This study examines Risky Online Behaviours (ROB) and victimization among children in Juba, South Sudan, a post-conflict setting with uneven connectivity, systemic challenges, and scarce mental health resources, heightening trauma potential. Methods: A cross-sectional household survey of 528 children aged 8–17 years in Juba used purposive sampling and face-to-face interviews. ROB was a composite binary measure of five interpersonal behaviours. Lifetime online victimization covered harassment, bullying, or abuse. Analysis employed descriptive statistics, univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Prevalence was high: 69% engaged in at least one ROB, and 23% reported lifetime online victimization. Analyses confirmed a strong bidirectional relationship between ROB and online victimization and vice versa. Key predictors included higher education (secondary students, UOR: 7.66; p < 0.001; CI: 4.09—14.34; AOR: 6.45; p < 0.001; CI: 3.15—13.20 for ROB) and male gender. Educational internet use was protective (UOR: 0.44; p < 0.001; CI: 0.29—0.67; AOR: 0.44; p < 0.001; CI: 0.27—0.70 for lifetime online victimization), while moderate daily use of the internet (1–5 h) increased odds (AOR = 1.63) of lifetime online victimization. Conclusion: This study provides first empirical evidence of extensive online risks for children in South Sudan, revealing a harmful cycle between behaviour and victimization. Findings urge context-specific, evidence-based interventions informed by the African Union Child Online Safety Policy. Priorities include school-based programs at key transitions, promoting positive digital engagement, and trauma-informed support in vulnerable, digitally evolving settings.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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