Scrolling for Signs: How Indicators of Child Sexual Abuse Are Presented on TikTok

Prior research has not identified reliable behavioral “signs” of child sexual abuse, yet adults often interpret ambiguous behaviors as evidence of abuse, potentially leading to unfounded suspicions and suggestive questioning. Despite the serious consequences of such misinterpretations, little is known about how these purported signs are discussed outside scientific literature, particularly on social media. Platforms like TikTok may amplify misinformation by promoting brief, emotionally engaging content that can contradict empirical evidence and reinforce misconceptions through algorithmic repetition. The present study will analyze how TikTok creators discuss alleged indicators of child sexual abuse, assess whether this information aligns with scientific research, and examine whether the types of signs presented vary by creator identity (e.g., parents, professionals, or self-identified survivors). This work aims to identify and address potentially misleading information about abuse indicators circulating online.