Online Child Exploitation Cases Rise Sharply Across Canada

Police services in northern Ontario are handling increased numbers of online child sexual exploitation investigations as national figures show a sharp rise in reported cases. The number of police-reported incidents across Canada rose 374 per cent between 2014 and 2024, according to Statistics Canada figures released in March.

Online luring reports increased 344 per cent between 2020 and 2025. ca, a national tip line, receives an average of six sextortion reports per day. Investigators in North Bay, Sudbury and Timmins described more sophisticated forms of abuse linked to social media, gaming platforms and artificial intelligence.

Police said offenders often pose as children online to build trust before seeking explicit images or arranging meetings. "Really, any child is potentially a target for these offenders who are, we'll say, prowling online," said Det. Sgt. Jason Majkot, who leads Greater Sudbury Police Service's internet child exploitation and computer forensics unit.

He noted that many investigations begin with reports from social media companies, which are required under U.S. federal law to flag suspected child exploitation material. Those reports are routed through the RCMP to local police services.

Offenders commonly use emotional manipulation, including compliments, gifts and affection before turning to threats or coercion, Majkot said. Some threaten to distribute intimate images if victims stop communicating or refuse demands. Sudbury police also conduct undercover operations and receive public complaints, handling hundreds of related files each year with the number continuing to grow.

The Timmins Police Service reported an increase in all types of online exploitation that became more noticeable during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The service handles an average of four cases per year, with two already recorded this year. A Timmins investigator said there is no typical offender profile.

"It could be anyone who has ill intent. Sometimes it's working professionals, sometimes it's other students. It's a wide array of perpetrators," said Det. Sgt. Kathryn Beatty.

Bay police said the number of active investigations fluctuates around five at any time, while more than 200 tips remain pending. An investigator with six years in the unit reported increasing encounters with AI-generated child sexual abuse material that appears highly realistic.

Investigators examine every report as if a real child may be at risk, even when material is later determined to be AI-generated. Many such images are created using real photographs of children, meaning real victims can still exist behind the content.

ca involving sexually explicit deepfake images and videos of children rose 125 per cent between 2022 and 2025. Ninety-four per cent of online child sexual abuse material incidents reported in 2024 were not cleared by police, according to Statistics Canada.

For online sexual offences against children including luring, 76 per cent of cases remained uncleared.

Police services advised parents and guardians to take specific steps to reduce risk. These include maintaining open conversations about online safety, learning about the apps and platforms children use, and setting boundaries around device use such as limiting screen time and keeping devices in common areas.

Additional recommendations are regularly checking children's online activity, encouraging them to report uncomfortable interactions, teaching them not to share personal details publicly, and watching for behavioural changes including increased secrecy or screen time.

One investigator suggested adults model reduced phone use at home to foster communication.