Australia records 275 child exploitation reports daily, up 21 per cent in a year
Australian authorities received 100,194 reports of online child sexual exploitation in 2025-26, up 21 per cent from the year before.
The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation processes an average of 275 reports a day. In 2025-26 it received 100,194 in total, up 21 per cent from 82,764.
As AI evolves, offenders can reach children at home in minutes. AFP Commander Joanne Cameron warned that a child could be groomed in the time it takes to make a cup of coffee.
The figures do not necessarily mean more offending; awareness has also driven stronger reporting.
- 275 reports every day
- Daily reports
- 21 per cent rise year on year
- Annual increase
- 100,194 reports in 2025-26
- Financial year total
- Grooming and image extraction in minutes
- Speed of harm
Why it mattersThe statistics show the scale of the threat to Australian children and why parents and carers need to stay alert and know what to do if their child is targeted.
AustraliaAustralian parents and schools need to understand these risks and recognise warning signs, while the AFP-led centre handles cases reported through the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 5 d ago
