Online Sexual Risk in Special Needs Schools: A Nationwide Survey to Inform Preventive Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities in Japan

Abstract

Students with intellectual disabilities may be especially vulnerable to online sexual trouble, yet little is known about how special needs schools address this issue through preventive education. This nationwide cross-sectional web survey, conducted in Japan from March to May 2024, examined the occurrence of online sexual incidents and school preparedness for prevention. Student-guidance coordinators from 260 special needs schools participated. The survey assessed 11 categories of online sexual incidents, incidents counted over the past 1 and 2 years, perceived need for school-based preventive education, current implementation, and staff training. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used for analysis. Coordinators reported 109 incidents in the past year and 112 incidents over the past two years, with most incidents occurring in senior high divisions. Although 73.4% of respondents recognized the need for preventive education regarding online sexual trouble, only 35.4% reported implementation and 24.2% attended related training. Training participation was associated with greater perceived need for prevention, whereas older age was associated with lower perceived need. These findings indicate that special needs, particularly at the senior high level, require stronger disability-responsive preventive education to support students in recognizing online risk, maintaining personal boundaries, and seeking help appropriately. Although conducted in Japan, the findings highlight issues likely shared by special education systems internationally.