Perspectives on Child Sex Stories – A Panel Discussion
September 28 at 7:00–9:30 BST, 8:00–10:30 CEST, 16:00–18:30 AEST, 23:00–1:30 PDT
To date, little to no empirical research exists on text-based depictions of sexual interactions involving underage characters (for an overview, see Lehmann et al., 2025). From a theoretical point of view, these so-called child sex stories have been proposed as a protective factor (e.g. providing a safe outlet for individuals with a sexual interest in children) as well as a risk factor (e.g. making escalation towards hands-on offending more likely). While these perspectives frame the issue in terms of potential risks and protective effects, they do not exhaust the range of relevant legal, ethical, and social questions raised by such content. The WRITE project (Written Risk Indicators Triggering Exploitation, funded by SafeOnline) is aimed at addressing these questions. To gain insights from diverse disciplines and stakeholders, this online panel discussion is aimed at bringing these different perspectives together. The discussion will also consider how legal and regulatory responses to such material are shaped, and whether these responses are proportionate and effective.
Join the WRITE team at the MSB Medical School Berlin for an international expert discussion with:
• Dr Konstantinos Kosmas Gaitis, University of Edinburgh (Childlight – Global Child Safety Institute)
• Jeremy Malcolm, Center for Online Safety and Liberty
• Colm Gannon, International Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Australia
• Ashley Remminga, University of Tasmania
• Andrew Briercliffe, Freelance Global Online Harms Advisor
• Dr Laura F. Kuhle, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin