Cyber Abusers Are Taking Advantage of Pandemic, Authorities Warn

With the coronavirus pandemic causing prolonged lockdowns and an unprecedented shift to online learning, children are spending more time than ever online and on electronic devices. Aside from risks to mental health and social development, that trend also raises concerns about the possibility of cyber abuse and sexual exploitation.

This spring, UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, tweeted: “As we tackle #COVID19, many children’s worlds have shrunk to just their screens. This leaves them vulnerable to online sexual exploitation, grooming, violence, and bullying. Governments and the tech industry must step up to keep children safe.”

At the height of shutdowns throughout America in April, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received an estimated 4 million cyber abuse reports, a fourfold increase from April 2019. Now that many schools are operating online for the fall and more parents are turning to remote or hybrid learning, vigilance remains essential to thwart sexual predators, say security experts.


Megan Briggs
Megan Briggs
Megan Briggs is a content editor and passionate follower of Christ. Two things – she believes – that should be linked together more often. Her experience in ministry to youth and parents as well as the extensive amount of time she’s spent in ministry overseas gives her a unique perspective on the global church. Megan is passionate about spreading the gospel and equipping the church for holiness. When she’s not writing or proofreading, Megan likes to run.

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