Rates of online child sexual exploitation more than tripled in Canada between 2014 and 2022.

According to new research conducted by Statistics Canada, the police were only able to solve two out of every five online sexual crimes against children during that period.

The Statistics Canada report explained that "online sexual exploitation of children, including the distribution of material related to child sexual abuse, sending sexual messages, sexual extortion, grooming and enticement, and live-streaming of child sexual abuse, is on the rise.

This increase was attributed to a potential set of factors, including a possible rise in crime, increased public awareness and reporting, and improved police detection efforts.

Data reported by the police shows that rates of online child sexual exploitation in Canada rose sharply from 50 incidents per 100,000 children in 2014 to 160 in 2022. This was largely driven by an almost fourfold increase in the rate of online child sexual abuse material incidents, also referred to as child pornography.

Overall, Canadian police recorded 15,630 incidents of online sexual crimes against children and 45,816 incidents related to online child sexual abuse material between 2014 and 2022.

During that period, only 41 percent of online sexual crimes against children were solved by the police. Charges were laid or recommended in 74 percent of the incidents solved.

However, only 34 percent of adults were convicted after being charged, compared to 44 percent of those tried in youth court. Most charges were suspended, withdrawn, dismissed, or acquitted. Among those convicted, adult offenders were more likely to receive prison sentences (78 percent), while young offenders were more likely to be subjected to supervision (62 percent).

The Statistics Canada report also tracked the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, which became a crime in 2015. Police were notified of more than 1,700 such incidents between 2015 and 2022, with victims largely youth aged 12 to 17 years (97%) and girls (86%). The accused in such cases were male, similar in age, and known to their victims.

Statistics Canada stated: "Like general trends in violent crimes, especially sexual crimes, boys and men made up the vast majority of suspects in online sexual crimes against children from 2014 to 2022." "An incident may remain unsolved (i.e., not resolved) for various reasons: it may still be under investigation or there may not be enough evidence to continue laying charges.