Key Insights from the Research
The scoping review analyzed the role of mobile phones (MPs) in refugees' experiences, highlighting both opportunities and risks. Five key topics emerged:
- Media Practices in Everyday Life: Refugees use MPs to access information, maintain social connections, and navigate their new environments.
- Opportunities and Risks During Migration: MPs provide critical information and support but also pose risks such as surveillance and exploitation.
- Maintaining and Developing Social Relations: MPs help refugees maintain bonds with their home countries and build new relationships in host countries.
- Self-Empowerment and Self-Assertion: MPs can empower refugees by providing a platform for self-expression and advocacy.
- Health and Education Applications: MPs can be used for mental health support and educational purposes, enhancing overall well-being and integration.
Implementing These Insights in Online Therapy
Practitioners can leverage these insights to improve their online therapy services in schools:
- Enhance Digital Literacy: Educate students and their families about the effective and safe use of MPs for accessing mental health resources and educational content.
- Promote Safe Practices: Raise awareness about the risks associated with MPs, such as privacy concerns and cyberbullying, and provide strategies to mitigate these risks.
- Foster Social Connections: Use MPs to facilitate peer support groups and virtual communities, helping students build social capital and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Support Self-Empowerment: Encourage students to use MPs for self-expression and advocacy, promoting a sense of agency and empowerment.
- Integrate Health and Education Apps: Utilize mobile apps designed for mental health and educational purposes to supplement traditional therapy methods and enhance learning experiences.
Encouraging Further Research
The scoping review underscores the importance of ongoing research in understanding the multifaceted role of mobile technologies in refugees' lives. Practitioners are encouraged to stay informed about the latest findings and incorporate evidence-based practices into their services. This approach will ensure that online therapy remains relevant and effective in addressing the evolving needs of students.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The opportunities and risks of mobile phones for refugees’ experience: A scoping review.
