By Coen Teunissen, Dana Thomsen, Sarah Napier and Hayley Boxall

This study investigated the risk factors for dating app and website users receiving requests from other users to facilitate child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). It did so by analysing data from a large survey (n=9,987) of dating app and website users residing in Australia.

Dating app and website users who were younger, lived with children, were Indigenous or had a health condition (ie disability) were more likely than other users to be asked to facilitate CSEA. Further, respondents who were more frequent or active dating app/website users, who paid for the dating service or who linked their social media account to their dating profile were also more likely to receive requests for CSEA. These findings can assist online dating companies to implement new features and education messages that protect users and their children from harm.

Trends & issues in crime and criminal justice no. 686. Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology. 2024. 18p