Kaitlyn Regehr

Dr Kaitlyn Regehr is an Associate Professor and Programme Director of Digital Humanities in the Department of Information Studies at University College London (UCL). She holds a doctorate from King's College London and has established herself as a leading expert on the cultural impacts of social media, particularly on children and youth. Her research directly informs policy and legislation, including the Online Safety Act and new Cyberflashing legislation.

• University College London - Department of Information Studies
• Programme Director of Digital Humanities
• Associate Professor in Digital Humanities

Dr Regehr's research focuses on the intersection of digital culture, youth safety, and policy development. She leads significant projects including the "Safer Scrolling Report" which generated media attention across 300 outlets including the Guardian's front page, and has influenced national curriculum changes. Her work on "Understanding and Combatting Youth Experiences of Image-Based Sexual Harassment and Abuse" has led to policy recommendations adopted by educational authorities. She also contributed to the Mayor of London commissioned report "Women We See: Advertising in London's Public Spaces" which informed national advertising standards.

Analyzing her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on how digital platforms facilitate and amplify image-based sexual harassment against youth, with particular attention to school environments across diverse socioeconomic contexts. Her work demonstrates how platform design features actively direct harmful content to young people, creating distinct digital sexual cultures in different educational settings. The research combines digital humanities methodologies with critical analysis of social media platforms' role in normalizing abuse.

Dr Regehr has provided consultation to the House of Lords, Members of Parliament, the Metropolitan Police, Scottish Government, and Education Scotland on digital citizenship education and online safety. She has been awarded over £2 million in research funding including AHRC projects and UCL Policy Lab funding. Her media work includes producing and serving as topic specialist on documentaries for BBC News, BBC Women's Hour, Channel 4, and the Economist.