
This article contains details about sexual exploitation involving youth and may not be appropriate for everyone.
2SLGBTQIA+ youth are more likely to experience bullying, abuse, and peer victimization whether at home, school, or in their local community. For example, 2SLGBTQIA+ peer victimization reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to attending school virtually. Socializing virtually is commonly viewed as safer, therefore many 2SLGBTQIA+ youth go online to find acceptance, representation, and community, especially those living in rural areas or non-supportive households.
Online spaces are being used to explore identity and relationships in a place that is considered safer; however, this has led to increases in unwanted online interactions and sexual exploitation. Research has found that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are twice as likely to share sexual photos of themselves, have their photos shared without permission, and are more likely to receive unsolicited sexual content. More than 80% of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth report that adults trying to befriend or manipulate a minor to be somewhat common. Overall, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth enter online spaces to seek a safe place that is not available to them elsewhere and often end up experiencing unwanted and exploitative online interactions.
In addition to experiencing greater online exploitation, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are also more likely to try to handle unsafe online situations on their own due to concerns about not being out to family and fear of being cut off from the internet. This can make them even more vulnerable on the internet and has led to people specifically targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Online sexual abuse has been shown to have negative impacts on a young person’s sense of self and relationships with friends and family. Significant impacts on mental health are also common, including self-harm, anxiety, and depression. Youth who do seek mental health care related to online sexual abuse, often report negative experiences due to a lack of understanding or blame for the situation, such as receiving blame for taking and sending sexual photos to someone they thought they could trust.
Unwanted online interactions and sexual exploitation have serious impacts for youth, especially 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who are more likely to be victimized and are less likely to seek support due to stigma and discrimination. Specific interventions are needed to protect 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and create safe spaces in safer places. If you have experienced any form of unwanted online interactions or exploitation, consider contacting a 2SLGBTQIA+ specialized mental health professional or a 2SLGBTQIA+ support service, such as the Trevor Project help line for LGBTQ youth.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio