Hart Publishing Cyberbullying and Sexting: Regulatory Challenges in the Digital Age

Drawing on empirical research and influential theoretical frameworks, this book provides a critical overview of the key regulatory issues concerning cyberbullying and sexting behaviours among young people. The author draws out a range of definitional and regulatory tensions associated with the peer-based behaviours by providing an in-depth analysis of the legislative frameworks and policies used to govern cyberbullying and sexting, both within the UK and internationally. In doing so, the imperative role of consent and the evidential challenges in identifying consent and coercion, in particular within a virtual context, are probed. In response to existing regulatory concerns, the book introduces a continuum which illustrates the wide range of sexting behaviours young people are presented with. Significantly, the continuum identifies key behavioural traits in differentiating between ‘consensual’, ‘harmful’ and potentially ‘abusive’ sexting behaviours. Finally, in analysing the myriad challenges presented to professionals working within child protection, welfare provision and youth justice, the book advocates for more informed and improved social and legal interventions and comprehensive education programmes.