Age and Circumstances of Onset to Child Sexual Abuse Material Viewing and Characteristics of Consumers: Findings from an Anonymous Survey of Internet Users

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that the number of child sexual abuse material (CSAM; known legally as ‘child pornography’ in some countries) images and videos detected on popular online communication platforms has grown exponentially in the last decade. Production and sharing of CSAM has tragic short- and long-term impacts on victims who are sexually abused for this purpose, yet little is known about CSAM consumers in the community who may not be detected by police. This study aimed to address this important research gap by analysing data from an anonymous online survey of 5,512 adults of all ages and genders in five different countries. A total of 742 (13.5%) survey participants self-reported viewing CSAM; 77% were male, 19.5% were female and 3.5% identified as another gender. Well over half (71.2%) of the CSAM viewers first discovered the material before they were 18 years. Similar proportions were observed for first exposure to atypical adult pornography (BDSM or bestiality) prior to 18 years. The study showed that individuals who view CSAM mostly discover it by accident (65%) and predominantly when they are alone (76%). Further, just under half (45%) of CSAM viewers who first discovered CSAM by accident (including someone showing/sending it to them) went on to intentionally view it again. The study also examined characteristics of individuals who self-reported ever sharing or producing CSAM or said they were willing to have sexual contact with a child if they had the opportunity. The findings suggest that more adolescents are discovering CSAM now than in previous generations, and that engagement with sexting among minors is associated with viewing CSAM. Thus, the thesis discusses several measures that should be adopted to prevent children from being sexually abused and exploited or exposed to CSAM, arguing that tech platforms need to be proactively involved in these if we are to successfully protect children from harm.