Online Harm Classification

Definition

Online Harm Classification is the systematic study and design of conditions, interventions and safeguards affecting children or families within digital child protection.

Why this matters

Children have evolving capabilities and limited power over many systems affecting them. Errors in online harm classification can create developmental, relational, educational, health or safety consequences that persist.

Research questions

How should online harms be classified so that systems distinguish severity, immediacy, intent and developmental impact?

Hypotheses

A multidimensional taxonomy will improve response accuracy compared with single-label content categories.

Proposed methods

mixed-method child-safety assurance programme using red-team simulation, incident and case review, age-stratified usability testing, survivor-informed design, operational pathway exercises and independent safeguarding review; adapted specifically to Online Harm Classification; child-appropriate participatory methods; caregiver and practitioner input; age-stratified analysis; validated developmental measures; service-pathway testing; safeguarding review; delayed or longitudinal follow-up; implementation-fidelity assessment

Stakeholders and beneficiaries

children; parents; carers; eSafety regulators; police; child-protection agencies; platforms; schools; helplines; civil-society organisations; online harm classification specialists; lived-experience family advisory panel; independent child-rights reviewer