People with intellectual disabilities ‘vulnerable to social media abuse’

A new study has highlighted the increased risk of abuse faced by people with intellectual disabilities.

The Michigan State University research analysed adults with Williams syndrome – who are extremely social and trusting – and found that those who use Facebook and other social networking sites frequently may be especially vulnerable to online victimisation.

Around one-third of the study participants said they would be willing to send their photo to an unknown person, arrange to go to the home of a person they met online, or hide an online relationships from their parents.

This is a potentially concerning trend, as almost 86 percent of adults with Williams syndrome use social networking sites such as Facebook nearly every day, typically without supervision.

It comes after a 2013 study led by the same team found that people with Williams syndrome, autism and Down's syndrome experience extremely high rates of real-world teasing, bullying, theft and abuse.

Marisa Fisher, Michigan State University's assistant professor of special education, said: "It's time to start teaching individuals with Williams syndrome about safety, both in the real world and online."