Study: More Kids Exposed to Online Porn, Fewer Predators

DURHAM, N.H. — A study of online child safety from the University of New Hampshire’s Crimes Against Children Research Center presented a mixed bag, finding that while incidents of predators approaching children were down, the rate of children being exposed to adult content online was up.

The report, titled “Online Victimization of Youth: Five Years Later,” collected information from 1,500 children ranging in age from 10-17.

According to the study, children who were exposed to online adult content jumped from 25 percent in 2000 to 34 percent in 2005.

The study speculated that a possible reason for the jump in the rate of children being exposed to online pornography were aggressive marketing tactics by adult content affiliates.

“Pornography marketers use methods such as pop-up ads, adware and various other sorts of hidden and malicious software, which do things such as hijacking browsers and directing computers to pornography websites,” the study said. “Unethical marketers install these programs on computers without the permission or knowledge of Internet users by, for example, bundling them with game demos and music youth may download or disguising download links as patches or upgrades.”

According to ASACP Executive Director Joan Irvine, responsible members of the adult entertainment community work hard to keep children from viewing content intended for adults.

"Fortunately, the majority of adult companies behave responsibly," Irvine told XBIZ. "Most ASACP members already use 'warning' pages and other methods to keep kids off their sites, and ASACP’s new labeling project should help make sure adult sites will be clearly identifiable as such, and will be viewed only by adults who want to view them."

Looking at data collected in the study from 2000 and comparing it with more recent information, researchers concluded that the number of children who were victims of sexual advances from online predators had dropped from 19 percent five years ago to 13 percent today.

“It may be a sign people are paying attention to warnings they receive about online dangers," study author Professor Janis Wolak said. "They are being more cautious about who they are interacting with online."

Wolak also added that the study showed that fears surrounding social networking sites such as MySpace were overblown.

"People have fears that these crimes involve offenders and predators who look at these social networking sites and then seek to identify these kids," Wolak said. "That's not really what's going on."

The study was financed by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children with a grant from the U.S. Justice Department.

New Hampshire research center President Ernie Allen hesitated to call the report good news, saying that while overall incidents of online predator solicitations were down, the more aggressive incidents of online predators remained constant at 4 percent.

According to Allen, 7 percent of children solicited actually meet online predators in person.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Show More