Rising Concerns Over Child Sexual Exploitation in Digital Platforms
According to the Citizen Council of Mexico City’s report, 81% of victims of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were targeted online, primarily on platforms such as Free Fire, Roblox, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
The exploitation of children through digital environments, including video games and social networks, has seen a rise that has raised alarms across the country. The Fifth Report on Human Trafficking 2024-2025, prepared by the Citizen Council for Security and Justice of Mexico City, reveals that 81% of victims of CSAM were targeted online, mainly on platforms like Free Fire, Roblox, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations for Parents and Caregivers
In response to the growing cases of child exploitation through digital platforms, the Citizen Council calls on mothers, fathers, and caregivers to actively participate in protecting children and teenagers from falling prey to online abusers, often referred to as “virtual friends.”
Key Recommendations for Preventing Children from Falling into Risky Situations Related to Online Trafficking
- Active Supervision: Monitor your children’s online activities and stay informed about the digital trends and platforms they use.
- Privacy Settings: Help them adjust privacy settings on their accounts to limit who can view their information or contact them.
- Digital Literacy: Encourage responsible and critical use of the internet at home by discussing the risks of sharing information or images online.
- Clear Rules: Set time limits for device usage and clearly define which platforms are accessible based on their age.
- Open Communication: Foster an environment of trust so they can confide in you if something online makes them feel uncomfortable, threatened, or confused.
- Parental Control Tools: Utilize applications that allow you to monitor their digital activity, filter content, and establish safe usage times.
- Be Alert for Warning Signs: Sudden behavioral changes, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, or avoidance of usual activities may indicate a problem.
The Citizen Council emphasizes that honest and consistent communication is the best preventive measure. Creating an atmosphere of trust will enable children to approach responsible adults before becoming victims of digital violence.
Lastly, the Citizen Council offers free, confidential, and 24/7 legal and emotional support to victims and witnesses through the National Anti-Trafficking Line and Chat (the only one in our country), 800 5533 000.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern? The increasing exploitation of children through digital platforms, such as video games and social networks.
- Who issued the recommendations? The Citizen Council for Security and Justice of Mexico City.
- What platforms are mentioned as high-risk areas? Free Fire, Roblox, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
- What are the key recommendations for parents? Active supervision, setting privacy settings, promoting digital literacy, establishing clear rules, fostering open communication, using parental control tools, and being alert for warning signs.
- What support does the Citizen Council offer? Free, confidential, and 24/7 legal and emotional support through the National Anti-Trafficking Line and Chat, 800 5533 000.
