Development of an internet risk awareness group for learning disabled offenders
| Date | 09 September 2013 |
| Published date | 09 September 2013 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JIDOB-04-2013-0008 |
| Pages | 109-116 |
| Author | Glenn Batey,Theresa Comer |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Learning & intellectual disabilities,Offending behaviour |
Development of an internet risk awareness
group for learning disabled offenders
Glenn Batey and Theresa Comer
Glenn Batey is a Community
Charge Nurse and Theresa
Comer is a Trainee Clinical
Psychologist, both are based
at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys
NHS Foundation Trust,
Durham, UK.
Abstract
Purpose – Since its inception, the internet has become increasingly dominant in everyday life. Despite its
obvious benefits, concerns have been raised as to potential risks of the internet such as susceptibility to
being a victim of crime and bullying. For individuals with a learning or developmental disability this risk is
increased given their lack of intellectual functioning and social awareness. For individuals with such a
disability and a forensic background, the risks may be even greater given the added possibility of offending
online. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of an internet risk awareness group for
such individuals.
Design/methodology/approach – The internet awareness group comprises of ten sessions run on a
weekly basis for individuals with a learning/developmental disability and forensic background. The aim ofthe
group is to aid an understanding of the benefits and risks of the internet, including things to be aware of to
enable service users to make an informed choice and to minimise their chance of being the victim of any
crime or distress. The sessions also have a forensic focus and will outline legal aspects of the internet in
relation to behaviours such as stalking and will teach service users about the consequence of this.
Findings – The paper describes the process of developing the course material, providing the course and
adapting it in light of feedback from participants.
Originality/value – The paper highlights the emerging nature of problematic internet use amongst learning
disabled offenders. It serves to raise awareness among health and social care professionals and instigate
the development of further good practice.
Keywords Offending, Internet, Risk, Learning disabilities, Problematic internet use, Support
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Since its inception, the internet has become an integral part of modern life and for the vast
majority of users its benefits far outweigh the potential consequences (Murali and George,
2007, p. 24). Unfortunately, there is a darker side to the internet and there is concern that it
could influence behaviour and induce or support pathological thinking (Morrison and Gore,
2010, p. 121) which has led to recognition of problematic internet use. Morahan-Martin and
Schumacher (2000) define problematic internet use as intensive use, failure to control or serious
harm to the user’slife resulting from this use which has led some to speculate that this should be
considered a psychiatric condition (Davis, 2001). However, there is also additional concern that
the internet may increase the risk of individuals encountering inappropriate sexual contact,
bullying and stalking (Livingstone, 2001; Seiter, 2005).
The majority of research and initiatives such as the Child Exploitation and Online Protection
Centre (CEOP) carried out to date has been in relation to children and adolescents and has
tended to demonstrate that indeed there are many risks of using the internet in this population.
For example, surveys have found that 29 per cent of children would give out their address over
the internet and statistics show an increase in the number of adult sex offenders forming
“friendships” with children online (Livingstone, 2001). Research has found that as many as
DOI 10.1108/JIDOB-04-2013-0008 VOL. 4 NO. 3/4 2013, pp. 109-116, CEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 20 50-8824
j
JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AND OFFENDING BEHAVIOUR
j
PAGE 109
To continue reading
Request your trial