Beyond “Stranger Danger”: Canadian Parents’ Perspectives on Family-Centered Prevention of Online Child Sexual Exploitation

Background: Online child sexual exploitation and abuse is an escalating public health concern, yet parents often report uncertainty about recognizing risks, initiating age-appropriate conversations, and accessing practical prevention resources. This study explored Canadian parents’ experiences, perceived challenges, and information needs related to preventing online child sexual exploitation and abuse among children aged 5–12 years. Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using eight virtual focus group discussions with 34 parents across Canada between August and November 2025. Focus groups were facilitated using a semi-structured guide informed by a prior scoping review and refined by the research team. Sessions were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, supported by participatory-informed analytic principles. NVivo 12 was used for data management. Trustworthiness was strengthened through analytic memos, team-based interpretation, reflexive field notes, and an audit trail. Results: Five interconnected themes were developed: evolving understandings of online sexual exploitation; managing digital risk through monitoring and restrictions; navigating timing and trust in prevention conversations; consent, boundaries, and recognizing harm; and cultural context, gender, and the need for resources. Parents described prevention as relational, emotionally complex, and culturally situated. Conclusions: Findings highlight the need for co-created, culturally responsive, gender-inclusive, and developmentally staged digital knowledge translation resources that provide parents with practical conversation tools, clear prevention strategies, and support for navigating children’s real-world digital exposure