CSA is an extremely complex social problem that will require comprehensive solutions to eradicate. Prevention of CSA is best conceptualized as a process of reducing risk factors and building protective factors in the potential perpetrator, potential victim and his or her family, and in the environment in which they all exist. Major health and social problems will be eradicated only when all sectors of society, not just the individual, share responsibility for solutions. An effective prevention program for youth emphasized the need to target an array of settings, including schools, homes, and communities. Consistent with these ecological models, four populations that need to be targeted for a comprehensive approach to CSA prevention are: children/youth, parents, professionals, and the public. For each target, suggestions for primary prevention efforts are offered, and opportunities and challenges are described. Although tertiary prevention efforts, such as treating offenders and victims, are crucial for eradicating the problem, one section describes population-focused interventions that occur with essentially well people with the aim of reducing the number of new incidences in the population. Results suggest that currently not enough is being done to prevent the sexual exploitation of children. Notes and references