The risk-taking behaviours of children on adult-based platforms (ABPs) (dating apps, remunerative matchmaking services, subscription platforms, fetish communities) are largely unknown. This study interviewed 46 Australian participants aged 18 to 21 years about their previous risk-taking experiences as children on adult-based platforms. This article presents findings on the online and offline behaviours of young people who, as children, used an adult-based platform. 

The study found that children are exposed to risk both online and offline as a result of using these platforms – for example, inappropriate or illegal conversations involving sexting and activities such as drug use. However, in some instances, participants reported engaging in similar risk-taking experiences outside of adult-based platforms.

The findings suggest that many of the activities participants engaged in while underage were activities they had previously experienced before or during their ABP use. Accordingly, ABPs are unlikely to be a cause of risk-taking
behaviours but rather give adolescents the opportunity to continue to engage in these behaviours.