Exploitation of online platforms, children raises concerns following recent child sex crimes by influencers

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - With a growing number of social media platforms and ways to connect online, how do you know if your children are safe?

A recent study finds one in 12 kids are being exposed to sexual exploitation and abuse online.

That means anything from solicitation to sextortion, and unwanted exposure to inappropriate content.

“Unfortunately, there are people who are trying to lure kids, and who are trying to connect with kids for the wrong reasons,” media psychologist Joanne Broder, PhD, said.

Those people could be anyone, including social media personalities and influencers.

Dr. Broder says the culture of being online is becoming more common among younger audiences, who are more likely to view things like followers and likes as a mark of importance and trustworthiness. Fu