Unicef estimates 20 million children suffered online sexual abuse in one year

A UNICEF report released on Thursday revealed that about 20 million children across 21 countries experienced online sexual abuse or exploitation in a single year. The most common instances of abuse occurred on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, accounting for nearly 60% of reported cases. Additionally, 14% of the abuse happened in online gaming environments.

The study, based on a nationwide survey of around 21,000 internet-using children between 12 and 17 years old in countries such as Pakistan, Kenya, Brazil, and Serbia, found that more than one in five children had experienced at least one form of sexual abuse or exploitation on digital platforms. Approximately 15 million children were exposed to unwanted sexual content, while 9 million were pressured into engaging in sexual conversations or sharing explicit images. Furthermore, 4 million children had sexual images shared without their consent.

Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the severe emotional and psychological impact on the children who experienced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation. These experiences led to a significantly higher likelihood of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and anxiety compared to their peers. She called on governments and technology companies to strengthen safety measures on digital platforms, update laws, and improve child protection and reporting systems to address the growing concerns over online sexual abuse.