Grim study reveals number of Aussie men who have sexual feelings towards children and teens

One in 10 Australian men have admitted to committing child sex offences, while one in six confessed to having sexual feelings for children and teens.

The disturbing findings were reported from a national survey of 1,900 Australian men aged over 18 conducted by the University of NSW and Jesuit Social Services.

Child sex offences included accessing explicit material online or flirting and having sexual conversations with minors.

About half of the 10 per cent who said they committed such offences also said they have sexual feelings towards children and teens. 

Of the men who did report such feelings only a little less than a third, or 30 per cent, wanted help to deal with them. 

Men with underage sexual inclinations were more likely to have been sexually abused or had scarring experiences in childhood and to consume pornography that involves violence or bestiality. 

They also reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and binge drinking. 

However, these traits did not necessarily dictate outward appearances with the same group of men also more likely to be married, a high income earner and to have children of their own. 

Study lead investigator Professor Michael Salter said the research 'brings unprecedented visibility to the numbers of undetected child sex offenders in the Australian community'. 

'This study affirms what countless survivors have said – that the men who abused them were well connected and relatively wealthy, and whose behaviour is secretive and easily overlooked,' he told Nine News.

'By shining a light on the characteristics of individual perpetrators and the broader social and technological patterns that enable their abuse, it is our hope that this research can be the catalyst for change to ultimately keep children safe.'

Georgia Naldrett, who is the manager of the Jesuit Social Services' Stop it Now! Australia service, said it was important to intervene early to stop child sex offending.

'The prevalence of abuse revealed in this report is deeply concerning,' Ms Naldrett said.

She called for 'investment in initiatives that address concerning behaviour before it starts and to 'intervene earlier with boys and men who report troubling thoughts and behaviours'

'Investment in these areas can help keep children safe from harm,' she said.

The age of consent in Australia can be 16 or 17 depending on the state or territory.

For consistency with international research participants in the study were questioned on their feelings towards all minors aged up to 18.