Australian teens turn to AI chatbots to report online sexual abuse

A national survey conducted early in 2026 by Adelaide University's Australian Cybercrime Observatory examined online sexual abuse among 1,987 Australians aged 16 to 18. The findings revealed that 18.7% of victims confided in an AI chatbot about their experience, compared with 13.2% who told a teacher, doctor, counsellor, police officer or helpline. More than one in four cases of non-consensual sexual image distribution involved AI, and boys faced a higher likelihood of AI-related targeting despite overall higher victimisation rates among girls.

Over a third of respondents voiced concern that AI could be used to create false images of themselves or people they care about. Researchers stress the need for AI-based reporting pathways, peer-focused prevention programs, and wider efforts to safeguard children online. Associate Professor Timothy Cubitt, co-author of the study, warned that the prevalence of AI in such abuse demands rapid policy adaptation.