Table of contents Executive summary 1 The evidence 1 Three things we cannot ignore 2 What must change 4 The stakes 5 Introduction 6 How does digital technology enable sexual exploitation and abuse? 10 Who abuses children? 19 Where are children abused? 23 Who do children tell? 26 How does abuse affect children's lives? 31 How do children get support and recover? 34 Conclusions 37 Recommendations 39 Build societies that place responsibility where it belongs. 39 Create environments where children can speak without fear. 40 Ensure platforms are designed for child safety, not maximum engagement. 40 Equip professionals to respond effectively and without re-traumatization. 41 Modernize legal frameworks to reflect how sexual abuse happens today. 42 About the research 43 Contributors 44 Appendix 45