Correlation of Online Risks and Harm among Teenagers in Bangladesh

Abstract

This study explored the influence of four important factors: demographic, psychological, social and religiosity level upon two important aspects: online risks and harm among teenagers in Bangladesh. A total of 443 teenagers (203 boys and 240 girls) from 8 educational institutions in urban and rural areas participated in the survey that employed a 45-item questionnaire measuring the constructs on a 5-point Likert scale. The data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation tests. The results showed that age and Socio-Economic Status (SES) under demographic factors; low self-efficacy, risky behavior and practices under psychological factors; parents, teachers and peers under social factors and religiosity level are significantly correlated with online risks among teenagers in Bangladesh. In addition to that, age and Socio-Economic Status (SES) under demographic factors; low self-efficacy, emotional problems as well as risky behavior and practices under psychological factors; teachers and peers under social factors as well as religiosity level were also found significantly correlated with harm among teenagers in Bangladesh. However, gender under demographic factors was not found having any statistical significant difference regarding online risks and harm among teenagers in Bangladesh. The findings have important implications on what the authorities need to put in place to make the online environment safe for their children.