Semester of Graduation

May 2025

Degree

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social of Social Work

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The issue of juvenile problematic sexual behavior has become a pervasive problem, and little research exists on the topic. How social media and social networks impact problematic sexual behaviors in juveniles is even less known and understood. The objective of this scoping review was to determine what is known about the impact of social media and social networks on juvenile sexual behavior problems. Four key themes appeared in the literature including the use of adult terminology, rather than juvenile, to describe juvenile relationships; the normalization of abusive behaviors within adolescent relationship; the influence of social networks/peer groups on aggression and abuse within relationships; and a strong correlation between bullying, perpetration, and victimization with notable gender differences. The findings in this scoping review outline the urgency for research to address the impact of social media and social networks on juvenile sexual behavior problems. There is a critical need to understand the motivation behind juvenile sexual behavior problems and the need to educate and promote awareness of this pervasive issue.

Date

4-3-2025

Committee Chair

Moon, Catherine

Available for download on Sunday, June 01, 2025

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