A model for online risks amongst teenagers in Bangladesh

Abstract

Although the Internet is benefiting the young generation especially teenagers in many ways, such as doing homework or assignment, gaining knowledge, online shopping, etc., gradually they are experiencing more online risks. This is happening all over the world, including in a developing country like Bangladesh. Realising this problem, the researcher decided to conduct a study on why teenagers in Bangladesh are experiencing online risks and how this issue can be resolved. This study employs an explanatory sequential mixed method approach which allows collecting and analysing quantitative data at the first phase followed by in-depth qualitative interviews with a smaller sample. A survey was conducted among 443 teenagers in the quantitative phase, and later, semi-structured interviews were arranged involving 10 participants in the qualitative phase. To understand the characteristics of the survey respondents, several types of descriptive analyses were performed initially in the quantitative phase. A series of complex analyses such as reliability and validity of the reflective measurement model, path coefficients for the structural model, evaluation of effect sizes (f2), etc. were conducted serially. The purpose of quantitative analysis was to develop a general understanding of the phenomenon. In the qualitative phase, data was first organised before analysis due to the production of a large volume of data. Consequently, data were analysed using the Thematic Analysis approach. Finally, the quantitative results and qualitative findings were synthesised to reach the outcome. The empirical results show that psychological factors, social factors, and perceived religiosity significantly influence online risks among teenagers. The results reveal that teenagers are experiencing online risks due to their emotional problems and low self-efficacy. These results are supported and explained by the findings of the qualitative analysis. The results of this study suggest that social factors and perceived religiosity can help to reduce online risks among teenagers. The findings of interviews support these results and explain further how parents’ support, teachers’ support, and peer pressure among the social factors along with their (teenagers’) religiosity helping them to successfully encounter online risks. Findings of both quantitative and qualitative studies are expected to assist the family members, educators, and policymakers to take necessary steps to protect teenagers from online risks in the future.