“For God’s will is your sanctification; abstain from sexual immorality.”
A study found that more than 300 million children around the world are exposed to online sexual abuse every year. According to the AFP and the British Guardian on the 26th (local time), the University of Edinburgh’s ‘Child Right Global Child Safety Research Institute’ reported that 302 million, or 12.6%, of children and adolescents around the world experienced online sexual abuse in the past year.
The sexual abuse these children experienced included being exposed to sexual images and videos and being shared and talked about those images without consent. Additionally, 12.5% of children around the world were found to have received ‘sexting’ (sending sexually promiscuous content), sexual questions, or requests for sexual activity from adults or other youth.
In addition, ‘sexual exploitation crime’ (sextortion) involves abusing artificial intelligence (AI) deepfake technology targeting children or enticing victims to film sexual videos and then extorting money through intimidation that the videos will be exposed to their family or friends.
Researchers found that such online sexual abuse of children occurs all over the world, but the risk is particularly high in the United States. In this study, 14 million people in the U.S., or one in nine men, said they had committed an online crime against children.
In the UK, 1.8 million people, or 7% of the total, admitted having committed the same crime. Additionally, many men said they would consider committing physical sexual offences against children if it could be kept secret.
Paul Stanfield, director of the Child Rights Institute, emphasized, This type of child abuse is so widespread that every second a case is reported to watchdog agencies. “This is happening in every country and is increasing exponentially, so a global response is needed.”
British Interpol Director Stephen Kavanaugh said, “Tackling the problem of online child sexual abuse using traditional law enforcement methods is very difficult. We need to do more together at a global level, including training professional investigators, sharing data and improving equipment.” (Source: Yonhap News Comprehensive)
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. (1 Thessalonians 4:3,5-6)
God, we mourn and pray for this evil generation that has become a slave to obscenity, follows lust, abuses children sexually, and knows no shame. Please shine Your holy light on the people under the influence of the darkness. Please help the international community respond vigorously to stop the sexual abuse towards innocent children. and Let the gospel be spread through online media. Please restore the 300 million children who have been hurt in body and mind due to crime through the gospel, and make them children who rejoice in the Lord.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
