At least one in 12 kids, or 8% of children, are falling victim to sexual exploitation and child abuse online.
That is according to a new study published Tuesday in the journal The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. The researchers analyzed data from 123 studies conducted between 2010 and 2023 to determine how many children under the age of 18 were exposed to online sexual abuse. This included solicitation, exploitation, extortion, and the nonconsensual taking and sharing of sexual images or videos.
The study found that one in 12 children was being exposed to sexual exploitation and abuse online. The researchers are now calling on global lawmakers to increase awareness about online sexual abuse and take action to prevent more children from falling victim as digital technology and smartphone access grows.
Online Sexual Abuse Against Children in the US
The prevalence of online sexual abuse against children in the United States is alarmingly high. The exact numbers are difficult to determine due to underreporting and the hidden nature of these crimes. However, a study by Childlight Global Child Safety Institute found that 1 in 8 children in the US alone faced non-consensual image offenses and online solicitation.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) noted that it received more than 36 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation in 2023, marking a 12% increase from the volume of reports it got in 2022.
Children ages 11 to 13 feature most prominently in reports of "self-generated imagery." In fact, girls in this age group represent 50% of all reports actioned in 2022. Additionally, 93% of child sexual abuse material detected over the past years featured girls, per We Protect.
How To Protect Children From Online Sexual Abuse
Protecting children from online sexual abuse starts with open communication. Talk to your kids about online safety, explaining the risks in age-appropriate ways. Teach them about privacy, the importance of not sharing personal information, and how to recognize suspicious behavior.
Also, set up some ground rules for internet use. Keep computers and devices in common areas of the home, not in bedrooms. Use parental controls and privacy settings on devices and apps. Monitor your child's online activities, including their social media accounts and messaging. Be aware of the apps and games they're using, as predators often use these to contact children.
Furthermore, educate yourself about online risks and stay up-to-date with new apps and online trends. Watch for warning signs that your child might be being targeted, such as secretive behavior around devices or receiving unexpected gifts. If you suspect your child is being exploited online, don't hesitate to contact the authorities.
