Current Mobile Applications for The Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse: A Scoping Review

Tetti Solehati; Yanti Hermayanti; Mira Trisyani; Rachelya Nurfirdausi Islamah; Cecep Eli Kosasih

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jphs.001138

Authors

Tetti Solehati
tetti.solehati@unpad.ac.id
Padjadjaran University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7055-1903
Yanti Hermayanti Padjadjaran University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5265-5955
Mira Trisyani Padjadjaran University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4841-6609
Rachelya Nurfirdausi Islamah Rumah Sakit Universitas Indonesia (RSUI) https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7437-2126
Cecep Eli Kosasih Padjadjaran University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7524-3910

Keywords:

Child Sexual Abuse, Digital Health, Mobile Applications, Prevention

Abstract

The use of mobile applications in child protection has increased in recent years, including their potential role in preventing child sexual abuse (CSA). However, the extent and nature of evidence supporting mobile application–based interventions for CSA prevention remain unclear. This scoping review aimed to identify, synthesize, and map existing evidence on the development and use of mobile applications for the prevention of child sexual abuse. Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework, a scoping review was conducted using systematic searches in ScienceDirect, CINAHL (EBSCO), and Scopus. Search terms included variations of mobile applications (including mobile and smartphone apps), prevention, and child sexual abuse. Eligible studies were quantitative intervention or mixed-methods studies that evaluated mobile application–based interventions targeting CSA prevention, were available in full text, published in English, and released between 2017 and 2024. Data were extracted manually and synthesized descriptively using thematic analysis. From 3,896 records, four studies met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis identified four key themes: (1) improved children’s awareness and protective skills; (2) promotion of self-protective behaviours; (3) enhanced parental knowledge; and (4) usability and accessibility of mobile applications. The available evidence on mobile applications for CSA prevention remains limited and heterogeneous. While existing studies suggest that mobile applications may support awareness-building and short-term preventive outcomes, the current evidence is insufficient to establish effectiveness. Further theory-informed and methodologically rigorous research is needed to evaluate sustained behavioural change, long-term outcomes, and equitable implementation across diverse contexts.

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Author Biographies

Tetti Solehati, Padjadjaran University

is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Nursing, Padjadjaran University, West Java, Indonesia. She is an expert in maternity nursing, sexual and reproductive health, adolescent reproductive health, and health promotion. (email: tetti.solehati@unpad.ac.id).

Yanti Hermayanti, Padjadjaran University

is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Nursing, Padjadjaran University, West Java, Indonesia. She is an expert in maternity nursing, reproductive health, and health promotion. ORCiD iD: (email: yanti.hermayanti@unpad.ac.id).

Mira Trisyani , Padjadjaran University

is an Lector at the Faculty of Nursing, Padjadjaran University, West Java, Indonesia. She is an expert in maternity nursing and health promotion. (email: miratrisyani@gmail.com).

Rachelya Nurfirdausi Islamah , Rumah Sakit Universitas Indonesia (RSUI)

is a doctor who graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia, and is currently affiliated with the Rumah Sakit Universitas Indonesia (RSUI), Depok, West Java, Indonesia. (email: rachelsangster1@gmail.com).

Cecep Eli Kosasih, Padjadjaran University

is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Nursing, Padjadjaran University, West Java, Indonesia. He is an expert in medical, surgical, and critical nursing. (email: cecep.e.kosasih@unpad.ac.id).

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