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Negative Online Experiences and Reporting Rates in Youth With Mental Health Conditions
Mirelle Kass1, Lindsay M Alexander1, Tatum Connell1
1Center for Integrative Developmental Neuroscience, Child Mind Institute, New York, New York.
JAACAP Open
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Many youth with mental health conditions experience negative online experiences (NOE) but rarely report them due to various barriers. Targeted strategies are needed to improve online safety for at-risk children.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Digital Health
- Online Safety
Background:
- Increased digital engagement among youth heightens risks of negative online experiences (NOE).
- Youth with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions are particularly vulnerable to NOE.
- Understanding prevalence, risk factors, and reporting barriers is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence of NOE among youth with mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.
- To identify risk factors associated with experiencing NOE and reporting barriers.
- To explore barriers preventing youth from reporting NOE.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study involving 1,009 youth aged 9-15 years.
- Quantitative survey data collected from a community-based sample.
- Qualitative follow-up with a subsample using a moderated online bulletin board.
Main Results:
- 26.6% of youth experienced NOE, with 80% not reporting incidents.
- Key reporting barriers included process, policy, and emotional factors.
- Social aptitude, mental health symptoms, and parenting style predicted NOE risk and reporting barriers.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists between NOE prevalence and reporting rates in at-risk youth.
- Demographic, clinical, and family factors are associated with increased NOE risk and reporting barriers.
- Developmentally appropriate strategies involving multiple stakeholders are needed to enhance online safety.
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