AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

online risks for young people was important and training in online safety was highly
recommended. They felt as long as the risk encountered does not exceed the
individual’s capacity to cope, then risk exposure can help to build resilience and
awareness. There are similar concerns for the safety of young people with disabilities
and Lathouwers et al. (2009) suggest young people with physical disabilities might
face tighter parental controls over online activity.
2.4.9. Summary
It is important both morally and legally that the views of young people with physical
disabilities and complex communication needs are sought on issues that concern their
lives. Much of the research to date with children and young people with disabilities
has tended to focus on those who are verbally articulate or relies on adult perceptions
(Morris, 2003; Rabiee et al. 2005; Wickenden, 2009; Boggis, 2011). The use of the
internet and online social media is without doubt a defining aspect of young people’s
lives supporting friendships and relationships. Peer friendships, as shown by Priestley
(2003), are a vital aspect of participation in youth culture. Seymour and Lupton
(2004) suggest the internet has specific implications for young people with physical
disabilities in terms of increased opportunities for strengthening and maintaining
relationships. There are interesting opportunities offered by online social media for
choice over self-representation for all young people and engaging in this exploration
is an important aspect of adolescent development. Enabling digital inclusion is a focus
of social policy as it is perceived to increase social inclusion and self-determination. It
is important that this does not become a pressurizing concept for people with
disabilities or become a measure of ability. Young people face increased risks through
online environments and people with physical disabilities may experience higher
levels of protection from parents (Lathouwers et al. 2009).
As can be seen much of the literature concerns non-disabled adolescent populations. It
is imperative that niche populations of young people are included in the research base
so that factors that are specific to their use of the internet and online social media are
revealed. The next section will look more specifically at the research evidence
surrounding the use of mainstream technology to access the internet and online social
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