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News · 21 July 2026

Sadistic online child exploitation rises globally, experts warn

Sadistic online child exploitation rises globally, experts warn

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Specialists in child safety and police officials have warned of predators coercing children into creating sexual content or self-harm. These offenders target vulnerable teenagers on social media and online games, often using explicit images as leverage. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received over 3,000 reports in 2025, a 125% rise globally.

Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs

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