Sharp rise in sexually harmful behaviour among children linked to online exposure

Children at Risk Ireland (Cari) said sexually harmful behaviour accounted for 27% of its referrals in 2025, up from 8% in 2024.

A child sexual abuse treatment service is reporting a sharp rise in sexually harmful behaviour among children.

Children at Risk Ireland (Cari) says increased exposure to online pornography, online grooming, and image-based abuse is having a “real impact” on children.