Date
12-16-2025
Department
Helms School of Government
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice (PhD)
Chair
Carolyn Dennis
Keywords
pandemic, exploited children, cyber solicitation
Disciplines
Political Science
Recommended Citation
Meunier, Julie Lou, "Covid-19 and the Increase of Child Exploitation" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7845.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7845
Abstract
COVID-19 has posed unparalleled difficulties worldwide, leaving children particularly vulnerable to its adverse effects. Factors like social isolation and school closures may have increased child exploitation risks. During the pandemic, reports of child sexual exploitation to Cyber Tipline surged significantly, with an overall increase of over 100%, hinting the pandemic created conditions conducive to exploitation. The shift to virtual learning hindered teachers' ability to identify signs of exploitation, while remote work and schooling increased children’s screen time, exposing them to cyber-solicitation. Economic instability forced some struggling parents into decisions that inadvertently put their children at greater risk. This study examines the relationship between rising exploitation and increasing online solicitation. Data will be collected from sources like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and professionals working in the field. The research aims to analyze the pandemic's impact on child safety, exploring solutions like improved online safety awareness, enhanced childcare training, and better coordination among law enforcement and social services. By identifying challenges and opportunities, this study seeks to create a safer online environment for children.
