TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Pingtung County's Department of Social Affairs (政府社會處) reported Thursday (July 24) a concerning rise in online sexual exploitation cases targeting minors, reaching 117 incidents last year. County officials directly attributed this alarming increase to the widespread popularity of social media platforms and short video applications. The department's findings highlight growing digital safety concerns as children increasingly engage with online platforms across Taiwan.
Official data from Pingtung County Government revealed a steady and troubling climb in these digital crimes from 2021 to 2024, with incidents nearly doubling from 59 to 117 cases. Statistical analysis showed that last year 46% of victims were boys while 54% were girls. The demographic breakdown indicated that 48% of all victims fell within the vulnerable 15 to 18 age group, representing the highest-risk category.
The Department of Social Affairs provided a disturbing example involving a fourth-grade girl who encountered a male stranger while playing an online game. The predator requested intimate photographs in exchange for virtual game points, exploiting the child's desire for gaming rewards. Fortunately, the girl felt uncomfortable and confided in her mother, who immediately captured the incriminating chat records and reported the incident to police, successfully preventing further escalation.
The department strongly urged parents to monitor their children's internet activities more vigilantly, emphasizing the critical need to establish proper online behavior and essential self-protection skills. Officials reminded the public to immediately report any suspected cases of online sexual exploitation or other digital dangers involving minors. Emergency assistance remains readily available through established hotlines including 110 for police and the national child protection line 113.