Use of Tanner stages to estimate chronological age in alleged child pornography cases: A systematic review
Date
2021
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Publisher
Andes Pediatrica: Revista Chilena de Pediatria
Abstract
The last two decades have seen an exponential growth in the distribution and availability of child
pornographic material on the Internet and social networks. The medical community is involved in
assisting the investigating authorities in relation to estimating the age and sexual maturity of the
alleged victims. Objective: To determine the efficacy of using Tanner stages as a method for estimating chronological age in alleged child pornography cases based on published evidence. Material
and Method: Systematic review study in PubMed and Scopus databases following PRISMA guidelines. Articles describing the outcome of using Tanner stages to estimate chronological age in alleged
child pornography cases were identified. For screening, those written in English or Spanish published
from January 1, 2000, to April 30, 2020, were considered. The following data were extracted from
the articles included: type of study; material and methods used; Tanner items examined; evaluators’
characteristics; results; estimated chronological age versus real age; observer-dependent variations
(bias); and conclusions. Results: Seven studies were included. Three were literature reviews and four
were case studies with expert testimony and observer bias. This method is ineffective when the alleged
victim, in both sexes, shows sexual maturation in Tanner stages 3-5. In stages 1-2, it may be useful to state that the victim is under 18 years old, but not to determine their chronological age. Conclusion:
Scientific evidence discourages the use of Tanner stages to estimate the chronological age of the victim from images in alleged child pornography cases. Pediatricians, and other medical professionals,
should avoid making a testimony that is not scientifically based.
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Keywords
International Resources, Spain, child sexual abuse, child pornography, images, Tanner stages, Medical Expert Testimony, age estimation
Citation
Oliván-Gonzalvo, G., Sánchez-Quirozb, P. L., & de la Parte-Sernac, A. C. (2021). Use of Tanner stages to estimate chronological age in alleged child pornography cases: a systematic review. Andes Pediatrica: Revista Chilena de Pediatria, 92(3), 470-477.