Peer-reviewed article

Indonesian adolescent girls' perceptions of electronic sexual-based violence: insights from a qualitative study with clinical expert input.

Saleha N, Widiasih R, Pramukti I, Dhamayanti M, Afiyanti Y et al. · 10 Mar 2026

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Electronic-based sexual violence (ESBV) is an increasingly recognized public health concern, with adolescent girls disproportionately affected, including in Bengkulu, Indonesia. ESBV can be associated with long-term mental health consequences, yet prevention-oriented nursing research in this setting remains limited. This study explored adolescent girls’ perceptions of ESBV and included a clinical psychologist as a key informant to contextualize impacts and recovery needs. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Bengkulu City, Indonesia. Thirteen adolescent girls from four schools and one clinical psychologist participated in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews in June 2025. Adolescent participants were purposively selected based on teachers’ identification of active social media users. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The interview guide was informed by the Health Promotion Model as a sensitizing framework. RESULTS: Five themes and thirteen subthemes were identified: (1) Gaps in school-based sexuality education beyond biological knowledge; (2) Threats and negative consequences of sexual-social activities in digital spaces; (3) Individual and social vulnerabilities contributing to ESBV risk; (4) Barriers and dynamics of psychological recovery for child and adolescent victims (clinical key informant perspective); and (5) Cross-sector coordination for early self-protection education. CONCLUSION: Participants described gaps in school-based sexuality and digital safety education and highlighted the need for protective skills and accessible support. The clinical key informant emphasized barriers to recovery and the importance of coordinated, child-centred responses. Findings may inform school- and family-based prevention initiatives, while broader system-level strategies require further implementation and evaluation research. Future studies should consider longitudinal designs and include male adolescents to support more inclusive prevention approaches. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.