News & Events

Build2Stop: Use of LEGO® Bricks in Qualitative Research

Date: 23 October 2026 (Friday)

Time: 11.00 a.m. – 12.15 p.m. (HKT)

Speaker: Prof. Jessica LI (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Moderator: Prof. Vincent CHENG (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

In person at Room GH405, PolyU/ Online via Zoom

Registration link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/zZqt0uNTrX

Abstract: With the rapid development of digital technology, minors face increasing risks of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC), including online grooming, sexting, sextortion, and image-based sexual abuse. Supported by the UGC Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (Project No.: PolyU 35001025), Professor Jessica LI used video vignettes, LEGO bricks and interactive questioning to engage primary and secondary students in expressing their understanding of, and feelings about OSEC. The findings revealed notable differences in students’ awareness and responses across OSEC scenarios, offering implications for co-creative and innovative research approaches and social work practice in Chinese communities. 

Biography: Professor Jessica LI is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Social Sciences at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Programme Leader of the Master of Social Work programme. In addition to being a researcher and social work practitioner, she is the inventor of a patented AI-based computer application designed to help children prevent online sexual exploitation (Patent No.: HK30127913) and a certified Advanced Facilitator of the Brick-by-Brick programme in the UK. Her recent research focuses on the online sexual exploitation of children, police procedural justice and artificial intelligence in social work practice. Other than publishing in academic journals, she disseminates her research findings with LEGO®bricks through her “Build2Stop” exhibitions and workshops in different cities which have attracted several-thousand social workers, school teachers and academics.  

Acknowledgment

This presentation is based on a research project supported by the Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme, Research Grants Council of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (RGC ref: PolyU 35001025).

Registration deadline: 1.00 p.m., 20 October 2026 (HKT)

Organiser: 
China and Global Development Network, Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Enquiry: [email protected]