Abstract

Background: The widespread use of digital technologies is beneficial to society but has also contributed to the growing prevalence of Technology-Facilitated Sexual Violence (TFSV) among youth. This study aimed to co-design youth-informed recommendations for preventing and responding to TFSV and its mental health consequences among racialized youth in Canada. Methods: Guided by the participatory research approach, 33 participants from Alberta and British Columbia, who were 15–24 years old and self-identified as racialized, participated in two virtual interactive workshops. Participants engaged in facilitated breakout group discussions using case studies and semi-structured prompts. Data were collected via Padlet and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Participants identified several gaps in existing support systems and recommended culturally responsive, multi-sectoral strategies to address and prevent TFSV. The key recommendations included awareness of families and educators about TFSV, training of healthcare and community service providers for trauma-informed care, integrated mental health support, and increasing youth awareness about legal support. Conclusion: Participants collectively designed recommendations to address TFSV and its related mental health outcomes. This study highlights perspectives of racialized youth for collaborative efforts across family, education, health, community, and legal systems to foster safer digital environments and equitable mental health support for youth affected by TFSV.

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