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Atlanta, GA – A new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health reveals a staggering statistic: an estimated 1 in 12 children globally has experienced some form of online child sexual exploitation or abuse.
Researchers from Georgia State University and the Childlight Global Child Safety Institute conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of over 120 studies across 57 countries, examining various forms of online sexual abuse, including online solicitation, non-consensual sharing of sexual images, and sexual extortion.
“The risk of online child sexual exploitation and abuse is escalating rapidly,” said Xiangming Fang, Research Associate Professor at the GSU School of Public Health. “This study underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive prevention efforts to protect children.”
The study highlights the alarming prevalence of different forms of online sexual abuse, with online solicitation being particularly common. The researchers emphasize that the constant evolution of online platforms and communication methods makes it increasingly difficult to accurately assess the true extent of the problem.
“With 8.1% of children globally victimized, we urgently need the online world to prioritize child safety by design,” said Professor Deborah Fry, Global Director of Data at Childlight. “This necessitates robust regulations for online platforms in every country, along with improved education for both children and caregivers.”
The study calls for immediate action to address this critical issue, emphasizing that the abuse and exploitation of children are preventable.
Disclaimer: This is a simplified summary of the study. For a more detailed understanding, please refer to the original publication in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.
