YSS secures OSC grant to investigate impact of online media exposure on children of prisoners

YSS (Youth Support Services), a leading charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young people, has been awarded an Open Societal Challenges funding grant for its research project exploring the psychological impact of online media exposure on children affected by familial crimes.

The project, titled An Investigation into the Impact of Online Media Exposure of Familial Crimes on Children, is a collaborative effort between YSS and the Children’s Research Centre (CRC) at The Open University (OU). It aims to fill a significant gap in understanding how media coverage of family-related crimes affects young people, while also developing resources to help them navigate the emotional complexities that arise from such exposure.

The study will employ a multi-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods to examine the views and experiences of children and young people who have been supported by YSS. It will focus on how online media coverage of familial crimes impacts their emotional well-being and development. Through multi-modal focus-group and individual interviews with children, parents, and practitioners, as well as case study analysis, the project will identify key themes around media exposure and its effects on children’s mental health.

A key aspect of the research is its commitment to ethical considerations in researching with children, many of whom may have experienced trauma and challenging lived experiences. Given the sensitive nature of the subject matter, the study will take extensive measures to safeguard the participants' well-being throughout. YSS practitioners will be present during interviews to support the children and act as advocates, ensuring that the research process is safe and supportive.

The second phase of the project will involve the co-creation of resources with children and young people, offering tools to help those affected by online media coverage of familial crimes. These resources will be designed to promote resilience and offer psychological support, helping children and young people manage their emotional responses and avoid re-traumatisation.

Professor Victoria Cooper and Dr Catherine Comfort, from the Open University’s CRC, will lead the research team, which includes Dr Stephanie Bennett, Dr Ellesar Elhaggagi and doctoral researcher Lauren Rose The project will also involve a young person steering group, ensuring that the views of young participants are integral to the project’s progress.

This project aligns closely with YSS’s mission to support vulnerable children by fostering resilience, emotional regulation, and improved interpersonal relationships. With a proven track record of facilitating research with children and young people, YSS aims to empower participants by giving them a voice in shaping the resources and support structures that will benefit others facing similar challenges.

Through this grant, YSS and the OU are poised to make a lasting impact on the well-being of children and young people who are exposed to traumatic media coverage, helping them heal and thrive in the face of adversity.