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Indicator
Creating a safe internet free of all online forms of sexual violence
One case of online child abuse is reported every second
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. (2024). Congress Holds ‘Big Tech’ Accountable in Monumental Child Safety Hearing.
- UK Government. (2021). G7 Interior and Security Ministers
Ministerial Commitments. Annex 2: Protecting against online exploitation,
violence and abuse
We are witnessing a terrifying increase in child sexual abuse material circulating online, with more than 105 million images detected online in 2023 and online grooming cases increasing by over 300% between 2021 and 2023 (1).
This is a global and borderless crime, with new risks such as AI and sexual extortion developing rapidly.
Online violence is not distinct from violence in the physical world. Often the perpetrator is known to the victim, and the impact of online violence can negatively impact children in the physical world, such as bullying in school or acts of sexual violence perpetrated at home.
While the UK’s Online Safety Act and the US TAKE IT DOWN Act represent important progress, most G7 regulatory frameworks remain dangerously behind the rapid evolution of technological threats. Despite these important steps, and some significant international leadership to end online childhood sexual violence (2), there remains much more to do in all G7 countries.
The digital world has amplified children’s exposure to sexual exploitation and abuse, exposing children to unprecedented risks
- The volume of child sexual abuse material has increased by 87% since 2019
- 3.5% of children experience sexual extortion online
- 1 in 8 children face non-consensual image offences and online solicitation
- 300 million + children under the age of 18 have been affected by online child sexual exploitation and abuse
Source: Childlight. Into the light index
Insights from our #BeBrave members about digital safety
News
Brave Movement welcomes signing of bipartisan Take It Down Act as “a step forward in protecting all children from online sexual abuse and exploitation.”
WASHINGTON DC, 19 May 2025 – The Brave Movement – a global movement of survivors and allies working to end sexual violence against children and adolescents – has welcomed the signing into law today of the Take It Down Act. Brave Movement Founder and CEO of Together for Girls, Dr Daniela Ligiero said: “ Online child sexual exploitation and abuse is an epidemic, and one growing at an exponential rate. More than 300 million children have been affected by online child sexual exploitation and abuse in the last year, with 10 cases of abuse reported every second. In the run-up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada in June, the Brave Movement has called on all G7 countries to prioritize online safety as part of greater leadership action in ending all violence against children.
Blog
Take It Down Act: Awaited U.S. legislation to keep kids safe from online sexual exploitation
Advocating for U.S. legislation protecting children from online sexual exploitation.
April 28, 2025
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Blog
Building a Safer Digital Future for Kids: The Heat Initiative Story
HEAT Initiative urges tech companies to strengthen online child safety protections.
January 26, 2025
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Blog
What does it really mean to be child-centered and trauma-informed?
I was a victim of technology-assisted child sexual abuse when I was 13.
November 28, 2024
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Blog
Young voices demand action: protecting our generation from online abuse now
Harmful content is prevalent, and algorithms play a significant role in exposing young users to it.
November 20, 2024
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Blog
Harnessing the power of youth in addressing online sexual abuse
Today, there are 1.2 billion young people aged 15 to 24 worldwide, accounting for the largest population of young people in history.
September 4, 2024
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