UNICEF: 1 in 5 youths targeted by online sexual abuse
A survey of around 21,000 young people by the UN's agency for children has found that online sexual abuse of minors is on the rise.
A new survey by UNICEF highlights the growing issue of online sexual abuse among young people, revealing that one in five youths aged 12-17 have experienced such abuse in the past year. The study, which polled around 21,000 young people in 21 countries, found that more than 15 million children were exposed to unwanted sexual content, 9 million were pressured into sexual conversations or asked to share sexual images, and 4 million had sexual images shared without their consent.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the emotional and mental distress caused by these experiences, with 41% of victims never telling anyone about their assault. Most perpetrators (57%) are known to the victims, including friends, family members, or romantic partners. Social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are the primary gateways for these assaults, accounting for 60% of cases.
The report calls for governments, tech companies, and other stakeholders to take stronger measures to protect children and young people in the digital world.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
