The incidence of child sexual exploitation cases handled by law enforcement has surged nearly fourfold in Canada over the past decade. Police in northern Ontario have attributed this significant increase to the influence of social media, gaming platforms, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Detectives in North Bay, Sudbury, and Timmins have observed a rise in more sophisticated forms of abuse targeting children, resulting in a growing number of luring and sextortion cases. According to Det. Sgt. Jason Majkot of the Greater Sudbury Police Service, online predators target children of all backgrounds through various online avenues, such as social media and video games.
Statistics released by Statistics Canada in March revealed a 374% surge in police-reported incidents across the country from 2014 to 2024. Cybertip.ca, a national tip line for reporting online child sexual abuse, has noted an average of six sextortion reports daily, with online luring reports escalating by 344% between 2020 and 2025.
Offenders frequently employ emotional manipulation tactics, including offering compliments, gifts, and affection, commonly known as “love bombing,” before resorting to threats or coercion. Majkot emphasized that offenders often disguise themselves as children online to establish trust before soliciting explicit images or arranging in-person meetings.
Law enforcement agencies, such as the Sudbury Police, engage in undercover operations and rely on public complaints to address the escalating number of online child exploitation cases. Meanwhile, the Timmins Police Service has also witnessed a rise in online exploitation, with Det. Sgt. Kathryn Beatty highlighting the diverse profiles of perpetrators involved in such crimes.
The North Bay Police Service has reported over 200 pending child sexual exploitation investigations, with investigators encountering AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Despite the challenges posed by advanced technology, police diligently investigate each report to ensure the safety of potential victims.
Lindsay Lobb, from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection, emphasized the psychological impact on victims, underscoring the importance of removing explicit content online, blocking offenders, and providing support services. The organization advocates for stronger federal laws, such as Bill C-22, to enhance law enforcement capabilities in combating online child exploitation.
To mitigate the risk of child sexual exploitation online, authorities recommend proactive steps for parents and guardians, including maintaining open communication with children, monitoring their online activities, setting device usage boundaries, and educating them on online safety practices.
In conclusion, addressing the evolving challenges posed by online child exploitation necessitates a multi-faceted approach involving law enforcement, technology companies, and the active involvement of parents and guardians in safeguarding children from online threats.