More than 580,000 Australian children subjected to online sexual approaches each year: new research
UNSW Sydney
Key Facts:An international report reveals the scale of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Australia, as well as growing risks across the Pacific.
New international research estimates more than 581,000 Australian children – around one in 10 – experienced online sexual solicitation over a 12-month period.
The estimate comes from a research synthesis and highlights the scale of child sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as the challenges facing governments as offenders adapt to changing technology.
The findings are part of Childlight's new Into the Light Index, which examines child sexual exploitation and abuse across East Asia and the Pacific, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.
UNSW Sydney criminologist Professor Michael Salter, Director of Childlight's East Asia and Pacific Hub, warns Australia's social media restrictions for under-16s could see offenders shift their activities to gaming platforms and encrypted messaging services.
The report also exposes significant gaps in child protection across East Asia and the Pacific.
Of 46 countries and territories examined, 37% had no identifiable legislation specifically criminalising online grooming, while 11% lacked identifiable legislation covering all four child sexual abuse material offences assessed.
Prof. Salter and UNSW researcher Dr Amy Young warn of a developing child protection crisis in Pacific Island countries, where expanding internet connectivity is intersecting with limited child protection resources, inadequate data, labour migration and climate-related displacement.
They argue Australia has a responsibility to ensure its investment in Pacific digital infrastructure is accompanied by stronger child protection measures.
A new UNSW Newsroom multimedia feature explores the findings: https://news.unsw.edu.au/en/more-than-half-a-million-australian-children-targeted-online-each-year-new-research
Video/phone interviews and pre-recorded news grabs are available through the UNSW media contact listed.
Contact details:
Melissa Lyne, UNSW news & content