Focus on the BIG picture.
Monday, Feb 23, 2026
Outside the box.
Global Crisis of Online Child Sexual Abuse
Research by the University of Edinburgh reveals that over 300 million children globally are victims of online sexual abuse each year. Notably, 12.6% of children face nonconsensual sexual imagery, and 12.5% are solicited online. The US and UK show significant offender rates, urging global preventative actions.
More than 300 million children worldwide endure online sexual exploitation and abuse annually, according to research by the University of Edinburgh.
The study, part of the university's Childlight initiative, is the first global estimate of this crisis, revealing that 12.6% of children have been exposed to nonconsensual sexual imagery.
Additionally, 12.5% faced online solicitation, including sexting and sexual requests.
The US is notably high-risk, with one in nine men admitting to online offenses against children.
In the UK, 7% of men reported similar behavior.
Childlight's CEO Paul Stanfield and Interpol's executive director Stephen Kavanagh emphasize the urgent need for a global response, while survivor Grace Tame calls for a centralized research database to protect children.
The study, part of the university's Childlight initiative, is the first global estimate of this crisis, revealing that 12.6% of children have been exposed to nonconsensual sexual imagery.
Additionally, 12.5% faced online solicitation, including sexting and sexual requests.
The US is notably high-risk, with one in nine men admitting to online offenses against children.
In the UK, 7% of men reported similar behavior.
Childlight's CEO Paul Stanfield and Interpol's executive director Stephen Kavanagh emphasize the urgent need for a global response, while survivor Grace Tame calls for a centralized research database to protect children.
