Children are victims of online sexual abuse, study says

A new study published Tuesday in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health warns that 1 in 12 children are being exposed to sexual exploitation and abuse online, urging governments and the public to act. Researchers analyzed data from 123 studies conducted between 2010 and 2023, focusing on children under 18 subjected to types including online solicitation, online sexual exploitation, sexual extortion, and nonconsensual image taking and sharing. Lead author Dr. Xiangming Fang said rapid digital and smartphone expansion—especially in developing nations—has increased risk. The article cites that last year the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and Homeland Security Investigations received more than 36 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation. The authors argue online abuse is preventable, framing it as a public-health issue.