Child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) is a silent pandemic devastating millions of lives worldwide, including in the United States. The problem is not just one of law enforcement—it’s a global public health crisis. To protect children and prevent further harm, policymakers must adopt a data-driven, collaborative, and preventive approach.
In an editorial published Monday in The Parliament Magazine, Paul Stanfield, CEO of the Scotland-based Childlight Global Child Safety Institute, recently called on global leaders to prioritize CSEA as a public health emergency. The statistics are staggering: every 10 seconds, another 10 children fall victim to online sexual exploitation and abuse. This represents not just a number but real children suffering irreparable harm.
A Crisis of Data and Awareness
In the U.S., as in many countries, the scale of CSEA remains incompletely understood due to inconsistent data collection. Without comprehensive insights, it is impossible to grasp the full scope of the crisis or to implement effective solutions. The lack of systematic data impedes preventive measures and coordinated responses, leaving children vulnerable.
To combat this, organizations like Childlight are working to compile country-specific data on CSEA. Accurate data can shine a light on the crisis and support meaningful, evidence-based solutions. Policymakers must allocate resources for robust data collection and analysis to guide interventions effectively.
Shifting to a Public Health Model
CSEA must be treated like any other public health emergency—with prevention at its core. This requires early education programs, community interventions, and cross-sector collaboration. Initiatives in countries like Sweden demonstrate that early education programs on personal boundaries, digital literacy, and recognizing abuse indicators can empower children and reduce abuse cases.
The U.S. can also look to successful international models like Iceland’s Barnahus (Children’s House), which integrates medical, legal, psychological, and social services under one roof. This comprehensive, child-friendly approach minimizes trauma for victims and streamlines judicial processes. Adopting similar models across the U.S. could transform how child abuse cases are handled.
Addressing Online Exploitation
The rise of online exploitation adds urgency to the crisis. AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM), grooming, and sexual extortion are proliferating, outpacing the capacity of law enforcement alone. Policymakers must enact legislation to ensure digital platforms prioritize child safety through features like “safety by design” and stricter content monitoring.
Regular research into digital abuse methods and partnerships with tech companies can ensure protections evolve alongside emerging threats. Initiatives like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) already play a critical role, but more support and resources are needed to address the scale of online abuse.
A Call for Collaboration and Action
Preventing CSEA requires collaboration across sectors—law enforcement, education, healthcare, and technology. Community-based initiatives like Belgium’s Child Focus, which partners with police to prevent abuse and provide victim support, demonstrate the power of a coordinated approach. The U.S. can adapt similar frameworks to create community-centered responses to child abuse.
Policymakers, educators, and advocates must also emphasize early intervention. Equipping children with knowledge and providing families with resources to recognize and report abuse are critical steps in building a preventive framework.
Act Now—Children Cannot Wait
Over 300 million children globally endure the horrors of exploitation and abuse every year. In the U.S., leaders must treat this as the emergency it is, dedicating the urgency, resources, and policy changes needed to protect children. By adopting data-driven solutions, integrating public health models, and strengthening digital protections, the U.S. can take a stand against this epidemic.
Policymakers, advocates, and organizations must act now—because children’s safety cannot wait.
