Research & insights

Research and insight are key to designing relevant, appropriate and targeted responses to Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Online

Why is this needed?

Technology is advancing fast, creating many benefits but also associated risks that need to be addressed. As the methods that offenders use to contact children and produce/view/share Child Sexual Abuse Material evolve so the response to this threat should evolve, investing in researching and implementing innovative solutions, using for example AI and machine learning.

Systematic and coordinated identification, monitoring, management and mitigation of all online threats and risks for children is crucial to strengthening their safeguarding both online and offline and to reducing the possibility of harms coming to life.

Research and public discussion can contribute to building a safer internet for children if:

data collection

The use and collection of data and evidence are strengthened to enhance effective, sustainable efforts to protect children.

security threat

Detailed and up-to-date assessments of online threats and trends are carried out.

online research

There is investment and effort in research of online vulnerabilities and effective safety education systems. Solutions for both victims and offenders.

ai ethics

There are increased and sustained investments in ethical AI and safety-enhancing solutions.

You can find more detailed information about how research can help tackle child sexual abuse online in our frameworks, the Model National Response and the Global Strategic Response, and their online guides.

What is being done in this area?

Our and UNICEF’s Framing the Future report gives an insight into how 42 Alliance countries have responded to child sexual abuse online and some of their challenges and best practices.

When it comes to research, the report shows that:

3 / 4  of the countries surveyed (83 per cent, 35 of 42) have some form of national research, analysis and monitoring