Lithuanian child advocates warn of rising online sexual abuse risks

Child rights defender Agnė Marčiukaitė highlighted that sexual violence online is one of the greatest threats to children in Lithuania. She noted that reports of potential online abuse rose to 14 in 2025 and 13 so far this year, emphasizing that many incidents go unreported because victims feel shame or fear of blackmail.

Marčiukaitė described two common forms of abuse: groomers arranging real‑world meetings or encouraging children to create sexual content, often through game apps and messaging platforms. She urged parents and caregivers to monitor children’s online activity, maintain open communication, and respond promptly to signs such as secretive phone behavior or inappropriate knowledge.

University researcher Rūta Latinytė stressed that the strongest safeguard is a trusting relationship between children and adults. She advised parents to ask simple questions about the child’s online experiences, avoid punitive bans that may drive silence, and promote media‑literacy skills. While EU data show high media‑literacy among 18‑25‑year‑olds, critical thinking remains essential for all ages.

Both experts called for coordinated community effort, reporting suspicious behavior to child‑rights services or police, and providing early support to mitigate long‑term psychological harm.