Drs Fiona Clements, Lisa Orchard and Darren Chadwick | Ep 5

This episode explores the intersection of intellectual disabilities. cyberbullying, and victimisation with Fiona Clemmons, Lisa Orchard, and Darren Chadwick—researchers and practitioners with a wealth of experience in cyberpsychology, intellectual disabilities, and digital inclusion:

Meet Our Guests

• Fiona Clemmons: A counselling psychologist working with the NHS in eating disorder services, Fiona has a personal connection to intellectual disability through her family, which inspires her research on digital inclusion and cyberbullying.
• Lisa Orchard: A senior lecturer and co-lead of the Cyberpsychology Research at Wolverhampton University (CREW), Lisa’s journey into cyberpsychology began with studying online communication and how social media shapes human behaviour.
• Darren Chadwick: A researcher and advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities, His work focuses on digital inclusion and how online communities can empower people with learning disabilities.

Key Discussion Points

Understanding Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is more than just a generic term—it encompasses specific behaviours like harassment, flaming, impersonation, and exclusion. Fiona’s research identified harassment as the most common type experienced by individuals with intellectual disabilities, yet newer forms like ‘griefing’ and shaming are underexplored.

Online Risks for Vulnerable Groups

• Content Risks: Exposure to harmful material (e.g., violence, hate speech).
• Contact Risks: Negative interactions with others, such as cyberbullying or grooming.
• Conduct Risks: Harmful actions initiated by the user, like flaming or sharing harmful content.
  These categories frame how researchers assess risks for those with intellectual disabilities.

Digital Inclusion Matters

Darren highlighted the importance of ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities have access to technology and the internet. With the right support, they can navigate risks, build resilience, and experience the benefits of digital connectivity.

Fiona’s Groundbreaking Research

• Explores the unique ways people with intellectual disabilities experience cyberbullying.
• Highlights the need for interventions that balance safety with empowerment, helping individuals build digital literacy and independence.
• The findings stress the need for tailored support systems and informed policies to bridge gaps in digital access, especially as online services grow increasingly essential.

Global and Future Challenges
Darren underscored the double disadvantage faced by older adults with intellectual disabilities, a group often excluded from research and support networks. He also highlighted the need for global research into technology use in underserved regions.

Broader Reflections

• Cyberpsychology as a Growing Field: Cyberpsychology intersects with social media, gaming, digital risks, and online behaviour, making it a versatile and exciting area of study.
• Opportunities for Research: The field offers endless avenues for exploration, from understanding online harassment to the digital inclusion of marginalised groups.

This episode explorse how technology can empower or harm—and how we can all work towards a more inclusive digital future.

The favourite CyberPsychology book

* Darren: Applied Cyberpsychology

* Lisa: So, You’ve Been Publicly Shamed

* Fiona: The Oxford Handbook of Cyberpsychology