Demonstrating the value of the Novel Conceptual Understanding of Digital Resilience Framework (NCUoDRF) by using the framework to explore research data from vulnerable children and young people
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Digital resilience among children and young people with vulnerabilities is considered an area requiring further exploration. This research paper contributes to this exploration by demonstrating the value of a socio-ecological framework called the Novel Conceptual Understanding of Digital Resilience Framework. This is accomplished by using the framework to explore research data from vulnerable children and young people.The paper is guided by a single research question and draws on data from a funded 2021 qualitative study entitled ‘Changing conversations: Empowering vulnerable children in a connected world’. The study involved 58 participants: 14 Children and Young People with Vulnerabilities, 14 parents/carers and 30 professionals. They participated in focus groups and individual interviews via the Microsoft Teams platform. Given the paper’s aim, only data from the ‘changing conversations study’ related to digital resilience was analysed using the framework. The framework’s facets served as preset themes guiding data analysis.The findings suggest the framework is valuable in several ways. First, the data evidenced the existence of the levels and domains central to the strategy. Second, it serves as a ‘tool’ to explore how children and young people with vulnerabilities can be supported in building digital resilience. Third, the framework shares similarities with existing support structures while offering unique features. Fourth, it is useful in identifying varied views on digital resilience. Fifth, it is a data collection and interpretation tool. Finally, it highlights the digital resilience experience of children and young people with vulnerabilities. However, the framework has limitations. It cannot be readily applied as a guide for embedding digital resilience into school policy or curricula. Also, it lacks explicit guidance on how children and young people with vulnerabilities can recover or rebuild digital resilience after difficult online experiences, and its usefulness as a data tool is confined to information related to digital resilience.
Authors: Mark A. Minott, Jeanette D’Arcy
Institutions: University of Hull, University of Liverpool
Language: English
Topic: Resilience and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4411310057