Coping strategies employed by young people in Slovakia to manage the risks associated with internet use

Abstract

Focusing on their lived experiences and the role of social support systems, this study investigates the coping strategies used by young people in Slovakia to manage the risks related to internet use. Examining how Slovak youth, ages 13 to 19 years, manage risks online was the primary objective. The specific objectives included determining the types of online risks young people face, assessing their coping strategies, and exploring the role of social support systems in young people’s online safety. In order to capture a range of perspectives, a qualitative research design was used, employing semi structured interviews with 11 participants chosen through purposive and snowball sampling. Three primary themes emerged from the axial coding analysis of the data and they included the types of online risks, coping strategies and the available social support systems and their roles in providing support for young people navigating the online world. The results showed a wide range of risks associated with the internet, such as exposure to harmful content, privacy violations, cyberbullying, and emotional distress. Coping strategies varied and included emotion-focused strategies like reaching out for social support or avoiding digital spaces, as well as problem-focused ones like changing privacy settings. Although communication and digital literacy gaps limited their effectiveness, social support systems including peers, family, teachers, and online communities were important in reducing online risks. The study emphasizes the significance of focused interventions and the complexity of young people's online experiences. The inclusion of required digital resilience training in school curricula is a strong recommendation since it gives young people flexible coping mechanisms and strengthens cooperation between families, educators, and legislators. These results provide essential data for the development of youth-centered, context-sensitive online safety initiatives and legislative changes in Slovakia and beyond.