During a recent congressional hearing, President and philanthropist Tim Tebow presented a disturbing representation of child sexual exploitation in the United States. The map, which featured hundreds of red dots across the nation, indicated locations where child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is being downloaded or shared, bringing to light a crisis that spans both rural and urban communities.
In a powerful testimony before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, Tebow illustrated the gravity of the situation. "Every red dot that is on there is someone that is downloading, sharing, or distributing CSAM," he stated. The hearing, led by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), addressed what Hawley termed a "scourge on our society."
The Tim Tebow Foundation has been at the forefront of investigating this pervasive issue. Tebow emphasized the link between online and physical abuse, citing that a significant percentage of individuals involved in CSAM are also hands-on offenders. With an estimated 57,000 children still unidentified and in need of rescue, the foundation's research has underscored the critical need for increased federal resources to aid in the location and protection of victims.
Staca Shehan, vice president of the Analytical Services Division at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, added context to the crisis. She testified that her organization received over 21 million reports of child sexual exploitation in 2025, which involved sifting through more than 61 million pieces of media. These numbers highlight the daunting workload that law enforcement agencies face.
The Tim Tebow Foundation's international efforts include operating 46 safe houses in 60 countries, providing shelter, medical care, and rehabilitation for survivors. With over 3,500 individuals assisted since its inception, the foundation also collaborates closely with law enforcement to break down trafficking networks.
During his testimony, Tebow called for bipartisan collaboration to protect children, a cause he stressed should never be divisive. He urged Congress, law enforcement, and nonprofits to unite in strengthening technology, expanding investigative resources, and creating coordinated international databases to track offenders and rescue victims more effectively.
The hearing concluded with an appeal for a coordinated national response to the growing challenge of online child exploitation. Advocates argue that only through combined efforts, adequate resources, and technological advancements can the United States begin to diminish this crisis and ensure the safety of vulnerable children.
