Staying Safe in an Online World- Adolescents and Young Adults with Williams Syndrome

The internet has become increasingly intertwined with our social world as we use online platforms and social media to interact with familiar and unfamiliar people, often on a daily basis. However, it is known that the internet and social media platforms are not always safe spaces for young people.

In this project, I will focus on the case of adolescents and young adults with Williams syndrome (WS) - a developmental condition associated with learning disability, a propensity to be 'hyper-social', and where research suggests that social differences in the real-world can lead to increased social vulnerability.

Anecdotal and literature/research evidence outlined in my proposal, highlight the importance of understanding online behaviours, interactions, risks and resilience.

In my collaborative project with the Williams Syndrome Foundation (WSF) I will understand critical elements of online interactions and online safety for this group.

My PhD is structured into 3 parts focused on reviewing the literature, conducting mixed-methods empirical studies with adolescents and young adults, and making an impact through support and engagement with the community.

At the heart of my PhD is a participatory approach and working with the WS community and with the WSF charity are crucial to my project.

My work will make both an academic contribution and a real-world impact to support young people with WS and their families with online interactions.