Children increasingly turning to AI bots to report sexual abuse, new report finds

More than a third of Australian children who reported online sexual exploitation turned to an AI chatbot for help in a concerning research finding that has raised alarms among federal authorities.

Research by the Adelaide University and the Queensland University of Technology found one in seven children 18 and under were sexually solicited by an adult or had a sexual photo without permission.

Of the children surveyed, 35.4 per cent either did not share what had happened to another human or reported it to AI.

They were found to be more likely to disclose what had happened to AI over an authority figure like a teacher or police officer, with boys more likely to turn to a chatbot over girls.

And 15 per cent also reported seeking personal or counselling advice from AI at least once a week.

“Our findings show that AI has a considerable role in the victimisation of young people,” the report read.

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“AI has entered the online child sexual victimisation space as both an enabler of victimisation [and] a pathway to disclosure and help-seeking, signalling a significant change in the experiences of young people.”

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett has issued a warning to parents in light of the “concerning” findings.

“Parents and caregivers need to know that this is happening and I urge them to have conversations with their children about coming forward to a trusted adult, including law enforcement, if they are being sexually exploited online, so the appropriate help and support can be provided,” she said.

“When someone reaches out for help, particularly about child exploitation or abuse, every minute can matter.”

The report found most incidents of online child sexual exploitation occurred on Snapchat, followed by Instagram, Discord, Facebook, WhatsApp and Messenger.

Australia has banned social media for under 16s and is planning to introduce a digital duty of care bill later this year to put greater onus on online platforms to prevent risks and harmful content.

The eSafety Commissioner, however, found more than eight in 10 children under 16 continue to use social media seven months after the ban.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.