Exploring the multidimensional impacts of child criminal exploitation: A scoping review

Background: Child criminal exploitation (CCE) is a serious form of childhood victimisation with potentially far-reaching consequences. However, evidence on its impacts remains fragmented. Objective: This scoping review synthesised research on the multidimensional impacts of CCE, explored common methodological approaches and identified knowledge gaps.Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we reviewed peer-reviewed studies published between 1990 and 2026 examining the impacts of CCE. Information on forms of exploitation, study characteristics, research designs and reported impacts was synthesised.Results: Sixty-five studies were included, which predominantly focussed on child sexual exploitation (83.1%). Most employed quantitative methodologies (78.5%), however there were relatively few longitudinal designs. Reported impacts spanned multiple dimensions, particularly mental health (n = 51), sexual and reproductive health (n = 25), re-victimisation (n = 23), criminalisation (n = 14), offending (n = 13), physical health (n = 13) and education (n = 13). Evidence of impacts from stronger observational designs was most prominent for criminalisation, re-victimisation and mental health. However, methodological limitations, inconsistent definitions and the predominance of sexual exploitation research constrained causal inference and generalisability of findings.Conclusions: CCE is associated with multidimensional impacts on children's lives. Nevertheless, the consequences of non-sexual forms of child exploitation remain poorly understood, and evidence that can establish the temporal ordering of impacts relative to exploitation is limited. Greater conceptual clarity and robust longitudinal research are needed to broaden our understanding of CCE impacts and to design effective policy responses and supports for affected children.