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Approximately one in 12 children worldwide experienced online sexual abuse in the past year, according to a study published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and China Agricultural University analyzed 123 studies conducted from 2010 to 2023, finding that one in eight children globally were affected by
image-based sexual abuse
online, while a similar number experienced online solicitation—being persuaded into sexual activity or exposure.
"One in 12 children globally have been subjected to at least one form of online sexual exploitation or abuse in the past year," the authors reported, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures.
The study identified four subtypes of abuse: online sexual exploitation (4.7% global prevalence), sexual extortion (3.5%), image-based abuse, and solicitation. The researchers found no significant gender difference in victimization, challenging prior evidence that suggested girls were more vulnerable than boys. They attributed this shift to changes in online environments increasing risks for boys.
The team highlighted gaps in research, particularly in regions like South Asia, East Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East, where national-level data is scarce. "These regions constitute a large percentage of the
global child population
, so there is an urgent need for research," they stated.
The findings underline the need for stronger legislation and primary prevention efforts to combat the growing threat of online
child sexual exploitation
and keep children safe worldwide.
