This article reports on the research methodology and findings of a study that sought to describe the characteristics and consequences of online commercial sexual exploitation of children, revealing a high frequency of childhood commercial sex and suggesting the need for alternative approaches to prevention.
This study’s objective was to describe the characteristics and consequences of online commercial sexual exploitation of children using a nationally representative sample. The online survey sample comprised 2,639 respondents aged 18–28 from the KnowledgePanel maintained by the survey research firm Ipsos. Fifty-eight respondents or a weighted 1.7 percent of the sample described childhood experiences in which they used technology to exchange sexual talks, sexual images, or other sexual activities for money, drugs, or other valuable items. The episodes were very diverse. Sixty-three percent were girls, 30 percent boys, seven percent gender fluid, and 42 percent sexual minorities. Half were ages 16 or 17, and half were younger at the time of the activity. Many (44 percent) were involved in offline sexual activity. The purchasers were not exclusively anonymous internet contacts; 19 percent were current or former intimate partners and another 10 percent friends or acquaintances. Most of the exchanges (92 percent) were self-negotiated, and only eight percent involved a facilitator. Nonetheless, most reported negative reactions involving embarrassment, anxiety, and feeling afraid. Sexual minority youth reported more exchanging sexual talk, having a facilitator involved, feeling afraid and falling behind in school or work than heterosexual youth. This national survey reveals a high frequency of childhood commercial sex that diverges from descriptions of dynamics based on police and social agency data. Such dynamics suggest the need for alternative approaches to prevention. (Published Abstract Provided)