WASHINGTON, D.C. – During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is highlighting both the growing risks children face online and the essential role social workers play in preventing harm and protecting youth in digital spaces.
Social workers help families prevent and respond to a range of online harms, including cyberbullying, exploitation, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and predatory behavior targeting children. They are also addressing emerging threats such as harmful AI-generated content.
“Child abuse prevention must reflect the realities children and families face today, including the digital spaces where young people learn, socialize, and too often are placed at risk,” said NASW CEO Dr. Anthony Estreet. “Social workers are on the front lines helping parents, caregivers, and communities recognize warning signs, start informed conversations, and take practical steps to prevent online exploitation and other harms before they escalate into lasting trauma.”
Social workers play a crucial role in helping families navigate online risks across various settings, including schools, hospitals, private practice, and community-based services. During April, NASW is elevating practical tools and resources to help professionals and caregivers recognize warning signs, start conversations with youth, and connect families with trusted support.
In addition to direct support for families, NASW is also supporting broader policy efforts to strengthen online protections for children. In a coalition letter signed by 281 organizations earlier this year, NASW joined the call urging the U.S. Senate to advance the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), a bipartisan measure that requires platforms to better prevent and mitigate harms to minors linked to product design and algorithmic systems.
National data reflects the urgency of this work to protect children from online threats. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children reported that its CyberTipline received 21.3 million reports in 2025, involving more than 61.8 million images, videos, and other files related to suspected child sexual exploitation.
To meet this growing need, NASW is expanding professional development by offering continuing education and training on children’s online safety. Sessions – such as “Addressing Clinical Needs of Survivors of Sexual Exploitation” and “Family Controlled Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children – cover emerging trends, prevention strategies, warning signs, and free tools for families and practitioners. The organization continues to prioritize this work through a wide range of CEU courses available to its membership.
As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, NASW encourages families to:
- Talk openly about digital risks.
- Stay engaged in children’s online lives.
- Set age-appropriate boundaries using parental controls and other safety settings.
- Seek support from social workers and other trusted professionals when concerns arise.
“Prevention must be proactive, practical, and grounded in the everyday realities children face online and offline,” Dr. Estreet said. “Social workers are essential partners in helping families navigate those challenges and keep children safe.”
