Sexual exploitation of children on dating platforms and experiences of revictimisation as an adult

By  Coen Teunissen, Michael John Cahill, Sarah Napier, Timothy Cubitt, Hayley Boxall and Rick Brown

This study examined the sexual exploitation of children on dating apps, and their revictimisation as adults. Findings showed that, from a sample of 9,987 Australian dating platform users surveyed, 8.8 percent had used these platforms while under 18 years of age. Of these, 59.3 percent reported receiving at least one sexually exploitative request from another dating platform user who knew they were under 18. 

Respondents who were victimised on dating platforms while under 18 were more likely to be revictimised as an adult through online and offline sexual violence. They also experienced a greater number of harms. These findings highlight the risks associated with underage dating platform use, the potential for revictimisation as an adult, and the need for these platforms to implement additional safety measures to reduce access among children and adolescents.

Trends & issues in crime and criminal justice no. 697. 

Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology. 2024. 16p.