As we observe Safer Internet Day, it is imperative to address the growing concern of Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (OCSEA). OCSEA encompasses a range of activities that exploit children online, including grooming, sextortion, coercion, the distribution of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), artificial intelligence-generated CSAM, and even live-streamed abuse. Understanding the risk factors for both victims and perpetrators supports the development of strong protective measures and evidence-based interventions that can effectively mitigate these dangers. This was the focus of the 2KNOW Project which aims to understand OSCEA and build impactful mechanisms to support victims and their families. The 2KNOW Project is the most recent attempt to identify risk factors for victims and perpetrators. It aimed at an in-depth understanding of situational factors related to online child sexual abuse to build impactful mechanisms to support victims and their families.
Risk Factors for Victims
Several factors increase a child’s vulnerability to OCSEA. Adolescents, particularly girls, have been associated with a higher risk of online sexual solicitations, however, it’s important to acknowledge that younger children and boys are also at risk. Children from lower-income households may have limited supervision and access to privacy settings, making them more exposed to risks. Risky online behaviours, including engaging in sexting, having unknown contacts on friend lists, frequenting chat rooms, spending excessive time online, using video chat, and participating in online games also play a significant role. Exposure to pornography at a young age and engaging in unprotected sex can also elevate the risk of exploitation. Environmental factors, such as lack of parental supervision, family dysfunction, or domestic abuse, may lead children to seek connections in online spaces, making them more susceptible to exploitation. Peer influence is also a contributor, as children may engage in risky behaviours to gain social acceptance. Additionally, experiences of other forms of victimisation, such as cyberbullying, can make children more susceptible to online sexual solicitation and interactions with adults, highlighting that children who are already facing some forms of harm can be more vulnerable to further exploitation. Mental health challenges and a history of trauma are also associated with a higher risk. Lastly, a lack of digital literacy, which hinders a child’s ability to navigate online risks safely, further contributes to their vulnerability.
Risk Factors for Perpetrators
Understanding the characteristics of perpetrators is another important aspect in preventing exploitation at its source. Various motivations, facilitators and situational factors contribute to the commission of OCSEA. The primary motivation to view CSAM is sexual interest in children, although other factors are also at play. Facilitators include a high sex drive, the need for emotional regulation, sensation-seeking, adverse childhood experiences, social isolation, difficulties in forming real-world relationships, desensitisation to pornography, and substance abuse, all of which amplify the risk of offending. Situational factors such as the perceived anonymity of the internet, the ease of accessing CSAM, habituation to CSAM and indirect learning through other offenders are significant enablers. Cognitive distortions allow offenders to justify their actions, manipulating beliefs about children’s consent or the harmlessness of their behaviour. Early exposure to CSAM can result in a greater likelihood of more extreme offending, including contacting children. Mental health issues, such as antisocial personality disorder, or a history of abuse, also play a role in the development of exploitative tendencies.
The Need for Evidence-Based Interventions
Translating these findings into concrete action requires a multi-faceted, evidence-based approach, including prevention, detection, and support systems. The 2KNOW Project expanded our understanding of online child sexual exploitation by identifying patterns, risk factors, and emerging threats in the digital landscape. By analysing real-world cases and engaging with professionals working in child protection, researchers, policymakers, educators, and law enforcement agencies gain evidence to develop more effective prevention and early intervention strategies. This is more of what we need: bridging the gap between academic research and practical interventions, to ensure our responses to OCSEA are grounded in evidence, and relevant to the safety needs of all children online.
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