What action is considered sexual exploitation?

Sexual exploitation involves an abuse of power dynamics, particularly in situations where one person has authority over another. The correct answer refers to the act of touching a person under one's authority for a sexual purpose. This action is considered sexual exploitation because it takes advantage of a position of power or trust, which can compromise the victim's ability to give genuinely informed consent. Such behavior breaches ethical and often legal standards, as the person in authority is expected to protect rather than exploit those under their care or influence.

In contrast, encouraging minors to partake in full sexual activities is a serious crime that typically falls under child exploitation and statutory rape laws, emphasizing the risk and harm to minors rather than the specific nature of authority. Pulling a prank is generally considered harmless fun unless it involves elements of harassment or emotional distress; thus, it lacks the coercion and power imbalance present in sexual exploitation. Having consensual relations with a peer does not typically involve exploitation, as there is no element of coercive authority or abuse of trust involved.