Combatting gendered, sexual risks and harms online during Covid-19: Developing resources for young people, parents and schools.

This study seeks to assess the impact of COVID-19 and social isolation on young people's experiences of online sexual risks and gendered harms during a period of increased reliance on screens. Through surveys and focus group interviews with up to 2k young people (ages 13-21) and 100 parents/carers, the study will address gaps in knowledge by exploring young people's differing experiences of online sexual harassment during Covid-19, in relation to gender (girls, boys, gender non-conforming), sexuality (LGBTQI+) and other intersecting identities. The study's central aim is to develop a set of interactive digital resources that provide accessible and tailored advice and information for young people, teachers, and parents, on how to stay safe online during the pandemic and beyond. These digital resources will be piloted and tested in 5 UK schools, before being launched online and delivered by our partners, the award-winning sex education organization School of Sexuality Education (SSE), and the Association of College and School Leaders (ASCL) with combined access to over 20k schools across the UK. All resources will be freely available through SSE's website and be promoted by our project partners. Finally, working closely with key stakeholders [such as the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)], we will also produce a final report with advice and guidance for schools, parents, and tech companies on what is needed to better protect young people, including ways to report online sexual harassment and how to seek help.