A new study finds that a significant share of children are manipulated into online sexual interactions before they turn 18. The research, conducted by Childlight Global Child Safety Institute based at the University of Edinburgh, estimates that 38.6% of girls and 19% of boys are affected. The findings indicate that the issue is widespread and not limited to a small group of users. The study frames the problem as manipulation that occurs online, highlighting that children can be targeted through digital platforms and interactions that lead to sexual content or requests. While the sources provided here do not include further methodological details, the reported figures suggest the scale of harm affects children across genders. Overall, both outlets present the results as evidence of substantial risk for minors engaging with or being contacted through online spaces, and they emphasize the need to understand and address manipulation tactics directed at children.