Protecting Girls from Online Harm: an inner-city exploration (PGOH)

This study adopts a comprehensive approach by combining a systematic literature review with empirical investigations involving survey questionnaires and focus groups, placing the lived experiences of teenage girls in the centre of the academic inquiry. By focusing on online harms faced by teenage girls aged 12-16, the project aims to close a knowledge gap in relation to how young girls, especially those from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, experience and respond to harmful behaviours in the online environment. 

Combining a desk-based study with empirical research, this project places girls’ lived experiences at the centre of the academic inquiry and uses it to inform a critical review of the current socio-educational, legal, and policy approaches concerning online harms, especially those experienced by children. The findings from this study will contribute to a critical evaluation of current socio-educational, legal, and policy approaches related to online harms, especially those affecting children. By prioritizing the experiences of young people, especially those from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, the project aims to inform and shape effective policies for protecting children from online harm.

This research project is conducted by academics based in the Open University Law School (attached to the Observatory on Online Violence Against Women, located in the Faculty of Business and Law (FBL).

Project team

• Dr Kim Barker is the Principal Investigator of the project. She is an expert in digital, legal regulation, with a particular emphasis on responses to online violence against women (OVAW).
• Prof Olga Jurasz (Co-I) is a specialist in legal responses to violence against women (including online violence).
• Dr Ayca G. Kaymakcioglu (Post-doctoral research assistant) is an early career researcher working on gender and education policy.

Funding body

This research project is funded through the EPSRC, via the REPHRAIN Centre at the University of Bristol.