Preventing Online Sexual Exploitation against School Children: An Application of Vignette

Online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) is a critical global issue, intensified by the increasing digital engagement of children and adolescents. This study presents a structured protocol for employing the vignette approach to investigate and address OSEC, with a focus on Hong Kong's educational context. Sixteen vignettes, developed in text, video, and audio formats, were designed and validated by three expert panels to ensure clarity, authenticity, and realism. These vignettes were then used to examine perceptions of OSEC prevalence, risk factors, and responses among 80 school personnel across 20 schools. This study provides a replicable framework for vignette development and emphasizes its potential to bridge research and practice, shaping policies and interventions to protect children from online exploitation.
The findings also have significant implications for policing, offering valuable insights into the situational dynamics of OSEC and equipping law enforcement with a deeper understanding of risk factors and community perceptions. Additionally, the vignette approach strengthens community policing efforts, enabling law enforcement to work proactively with the community to prevent OSEC. Furthermore, the integration of vignettes with Lego bricks offers an innovative method for both research and prevention practices, enhancing understanding and engagement in addressing OSEC.