Online sexual exploitation of children and youth, an overview

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What is it?

Online sexual exploitation of children and youth refers to acts of sexual nature directed at people under the age of 18, committed or distributed via information and communications technologies, such as electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, computers), whether or not they are connected to the Internet.

For example, there are two categories of criminal offences (under the Criminal Code) it can fall under:

• Sexual exploitation material (or child pornography, under the Criminal Code): any representation (e.g., writings, recordings, videos, photos, etc.) of sexual nature of a minor.
• Child luring: intentional communication with a person known or believed to be a minor by telecommunications to facilitate a sexual offence (e.g., invitation to sexual touching, sexual interference, exhibitionism, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and exploitation material).

Where does online sexual exploitation of children and youth occur?

Sexual exploitation of children and youth can occur on: 

• Peer-to-peer networksand newsgroups or chat rooms
• The dark web
• Communication applications
• Social media

How widespread is it?

The growing use of technology by young people increases their risk of exposure to online sexual exploitation.

In Canada and Quebec, incidents of online sexual exploitation of minors are on the rise. From 2014 to 2022, the rate of sexual exploitation incidents (including luring and child pornography) more than tripled, from 50 to 160 incidents per 100,000 children and youth per year, according to Canadian police data.

How can it be prevented?

Preventing online sexual exploitation of minors requires a variety of actions on several levels. These include implementing public policies and laws, strengthening safety in the digital environment, raising public awareness, and educating children and youth and those around them. Help services are also essential to support victims in their recovery, while working with people at risk of committing online sexual exploitation and with perpetrators helps prevent them from acting and fosters their rehabilitation.

In Quebec, Ça suffit is a free, anonymous support service (phone and chat) launched in 2021 aimed at reducing the emotional suffering of people who have sexual fantasies about children. From January to October 2024, Ça suffit recorded 245 new requests for help. These came mainly from people directly affected by the problem, but also from their family and friends, victims and professionals.