Abstract
OSEC is a significant public health crisis globally. It involves the sexual abuse of minors through the internet, including creating, sharing, or possessing sexual material featuring children. OSEC is widespread yet often hidden due to its sensitive nature, making it challenging to address openly. The increasing use of digital technology and social media exacerbates this problem, providing predators with more tools to exploit children.
Children are especially vulnerable, facing serious threats to their physical and emotional well-being. Despite global efforts to combat OSEC, the ubiquity of the internet and advancements in technology have made prevention and intervention difficult. Early identification and support are critical, as the long-term effects of any form of child abuse can be devastating.
Effective strategies to address OSEC must include normalizing difficult conversations, educating children on safe internet practices, and equipping parents and guardians with tools to protect their children. Healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to educate patients and families, providing essential preventive measures and resources.
To understand healthcare professionals' perspectives on OSEC, a qualitative study was conducted. A small, convenience-sampled cohort participated in interviews to assess their knowledge of OSEC, their openness to screening questions, and their perceived roles in addressing this issue. Themes emerging from the analysis revealed significant gaps in knowledge. Participants were generally unaware of OSEC’s term, prevalence, and scope. The findings suggest that baseline education about OSEC is more urgent than implementing screening tools.
Healthcare professionals must be educated in three critical areas to combat OSEC effectively:
Understanding OSEC: Its definition, prevalence, perpetrator tactics, and impact on children’s mental and physical health.
Age-Appropriate Communication: Strategies to discuss OSEC with children during clinical interactions, fostering awareness and trust.
Parent Engagement: Tools for guiding parents and caregivers to recognize warning signs and implement preventive measures.
By bridging the awareness gap and enhancing healthcare professionals' preparedness, this initiative aims to protect children from OSEC and empower healthcare providers to be proactive advocates in combating this global crisis.
Notes
References:
Moon, N., Simeone, A. (2023). Parental and caregiver perspectives on child sexual abuse prevention. The Mama Bear Effect. Retrieved from www.TheMamaBearEffect.org
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (2017). The Online Enticement of Children: An in-depth analysis of CyberTipLine reports. https://www.missingkids.org/ourwork/ncmecdata
Patterson, A., Ryckman, L., & Guerra, C. (2022). A Systematic Review of the Education and Awareness Interventions to Prevent Online Child Sexual Abuse. Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma, 15(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-022-00440-x
Stanfield, P. (2024, May, 27). World’s first estimate of the scale of online childhood sexual exploitation and abuse. We Protect Global Alliance.
https://www.weprotect.org/blog/worlds-first-estimate-of-the-scale-of-online-child-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse/
Turner, H. A., Finkelhor, D., & Colburn, D. (2023). Predictors of Online Child Sexual Abuse in a U.S. National Sample. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 38(11-12), 088626052211490. https://doi.org/10.1177/08862605221149090
Sigma Membership
Lambda Epsilon
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Cohort
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Interprofessional, Interdisciplinary, Primary Care, Continuing Education, Nursing Education, Advances in Education, Online Sexual Exploitation of Children, OSEC, Safe Internet Practices
Recommended Citation
Morris, Toni and Ziff, Elizabeth, "Breaking the Silence: Addressing the Crisis of OSEC & the Knowledge Gap Among Health Professionals" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 153.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/153
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-12-02
Breaking the Silence: Addressing the Crisis of OSEC & the Knowledge Gap Among Health Professionals
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
OSEC is a significant public health crisis globally. It involves the sexual abuse of minors through the internet, including creating, sharing, or possessing sexual material featuring children. OSEC is widespread yet often hidden due to its sensitive nature, making it challenging to address openly. The increasing use of digital technology and social media exacerbates this problem, providing predators with more tools to exploit children.
Children are especially vulnerable, facing serious threats to their physical and emotional well-being. Despite global efforts to combat OSEC, the ubiquity of the internet and advancements in technology have made prevention and intervention difficult. Early identification and support are critical, as the long-term effects of any form of child abuse can be devastating.
Effective strategies to address OSEC must include normalizing difficult conversations, educating children on safe internet practices, and equipping parents and guardians with tools to protect their children. Healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to educate patients and families, providing essential preventive measures and resources.
To understand healthcare professionals' perspectives on OSEC, a qualitative study was conducted. A small, convenience-sampled cohort participated in interviews to assess their knowledge of OSEC, their openness to screening questions, and their perceived roles in addressing this issue. Themes emerging from the analysis revealed significant gaps in knowledge. Participants were generally unaware of OSEC’s term, prevalence, and scope. The findings suggest that baseline education about OSEC is more urgent than implementing screening tools.
Healthcare professionals must be educated in three critical areas to combat OSEC effectively:
Understanding OSEC: Its definition, prevalence, perpetrator tactics, and impact on children’s mental and physical health.
Age-Appropriate Communication: Strategies to discuss OSEC with children during clinical interactions, fostering awareness and trust.
Parent Engagement: Tools for guiding parents and caregivers to recognize warning signs and implement preventive measures.
By bridging the awareness gap and enhancing healthcare professionals' preparedness, this initiative aims to protect children from OSEC and empower healthcare providers to be proactive advocates in combating this global crisis.
Description
OSEC is a pressing global issue, exacerbated by the increasing accessibility of the internet and social media. Healthcare professionals have a unique opportunity to provide education about OSEC. a lack of awareness among healthcare professionals can limit prevention and support efforts. Research suggests that educating healthcare professionals about OSEC could help bridge the knowledge gap, normalize discussions, and empower them to protect children and guide families effectively.