Title: Smartphone apps for child sexual abuse education: gaps and design considerations

Authors: Sadia Tasnuva Pritha; Rahnuma Tasnim; Muhammad Ashad Kabir; Sumaiya Amin; Anik Das

Addresses: Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Chattogram 4349, Bangladesh ' Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Chattogram 4349, Bangladesh ' School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia ' Department of Computer Science, St. Francis Xaiver University, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5, Canada ' Department of Computer Science, St. Francis Xaiver University, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5, Canada

Abstract: The objectives of this study are understanding the requirements of a child sexual abuse (CSA) education app, identifying the limitations of existing apps, and providing guidelines for better app design. An electronic search across three major app stores was conducted and the selected apps were rated by a devised app rating scale. Our rating scale evaluates essential features, functionalities, and software quality characteristics that are necessary for CSA education apps, and determined their effectiveness for potential use as CSA education programs for children. User comments from the app stores are collected and analysed to understand their expectations and views. After analysing the feasibility of the reviewed apps, CSA app design considerations are proposed that highlight game-based teaching approaches. The evaluation results show that most of the reviewed apps are not suitable for being used as CSA education programs. Moreover, all the apps need to be improved in terms of their software qualities and CSA-specific features to be considered as potential CSA education programs. This study provides the necessary knowledge to developers and individuals regarding the essential features and software quality characteristics for designing and developing CSA education apps.

Keywords: child sexual abuse; CSA; mobile learning; sexual abuse education; smartphone; mobile apps; design considerations; app rating scale.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMLO.2024.135124

International Journal of Mobile Learning and Organisation, 2024 Vol.18 No.1, pp.101 - 134

Received: 23 Dec 2021
Accepted: 29 Mar 2022
Published online: 01 Dec 2023 *