Improving child sexual abuse prevention programs for schools
Official title: Maximizing the reach of universal child sexual abuse prevention: An equivalence trial
Funded at New York University · NIH-10739900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to teach kids aged 7 to 13 how to stay safe from child sexual abuse, especially by using online tools, so they can learn important personal safety skills even if they can't be in school.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $399,700 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD110822-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10739900 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children aged 7 to 13 who are enrolled in school and are at risk for child sexual abuse.
✕Less likely to help
Children outside the age range of 7 to 13 or those not enrolled in school may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to enhance the reach and effectiveness of school-based prevention programs for child sexual abuse (CSA). It focuses on teaching children aged 7 to 13 personal safety skills and knowledge to identify and refuse unwanted contact. The study aims to explore alternative delivery methods, such as virtual platforms, to ensure that these essential programs can continue even when traditional school settings are disrupted. By evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, the research seeks to improve children's understanding of self-protection and increase their access to resources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and accessible child sexual abuse prevention programs, ultimately protecting more children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with school-based prevention programs, but this approach of enhancing delivery methods is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guastaferro, Katelyn — New York University
- Study coordinator: Guastaferro, Katelyn
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.