The Latest Breaking News from Childlight

Millions of children groomed online in global sexual exploitation crisis, new report warns

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

The Independent UK · May 19

One in four children manipulated into online sexual interactions – study

The Childlight Global Child Safety Institute based at the University of Edinburgh said 38.6% of girls and 19% of boys are affected before turning 18.

Evening Standard · May 18

One in four children being groomed online in ‘worldwide health emergency’

Study also shows that 1,500 people possess ‘paedophile manuals’ to evade justice

The Independent UK · May 18

Social media firms profiting from surge in sextortion cases, experts warn

Exclusive: Companies ‘playing a role in the sexual exploitation and abuse that occurs on their services’, UK-based experts warn

The Independent UK · Apr 9, 2025

Prioritise children’s online safety at election to tackle ‘hidden pandemic’ of sexual abuse, experts urge

Exclusive: Call to put children’s online safety ‘at the heart of this election’ as research shows ‘staggering’ scale of sexual abuse

The Independent UK · Jun 2, 2024

We found over 300 million young people had experienced online sexual abuse and exploitation over the course of our meta-study

It takes a lot to shock Kelvin Lay. My friend and colleague was responsible for setting up Africa’s first dedicated child exploitation and human trafficking units, and for many years he was a senior investigating officer for the Child Exploitation Online Protection Centre at the UK’s National Crime Agency, specialising…

The Conversation · May 27, 2024

Scottish research finds millions of children are victims of online sexual abuse

MORE than 300 million children a year are victims of online sexual exploitation and abuse, a new study from Scottish university researchers has…

The National (Scotland) · May 27, 2024

More than 300m children victims of online sexual abuse every year

First global study of its kind exposes ‘staggering scale’ of crime, with one in nine men in the US admitting to the offence

The Guardian - UK · May 26, 2024