An estimated 20 million children aged 12 to 17 experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse within a year across 21 countries, according to a new UNICEF report released on Thursday.
The study, titled Through Children’s Eyes: How Digital Technologies Enable Child Sexual Abuse, combines survey findings with testimonies from children who experienced abuse.
UNICEF estimated that more than 15 million children encountered unwanted sexual content, while nine million faced requests to participate in sexual conversations or share sexual images against their will. Furthermore, around four million had sexual images shared without consent.
Social Media Accounts for Majority of Reported Cases
Nearly 60% of cases occurred on social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and WhatsApp, while 14% occurred through online games.
Additionally, 57% of cases involved someone the child already knew, including friends, peers, romantic partners or relatives. However, 38% first encountered the perpetrator online.
UNICEF found significant effects on children’s emotional wellbeing, safety and trust. Children who experienced technology-facilitated exploitation were four times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or behaviours and self-harm.
More Than 40% of Children Tell Nobody
More than 40% of affected children never disclosed their experience, while fewer than 1% reported incidents to police, social workers or helplines.
UNICEF said many remained silent because they did not know where to seek help.
Consequently, the agency urged governments and technology companies to strengthen privacy protections, restrict unsolicited adult contact, improve abuse-detection systems and provide accessible reporting mechanisms.
The findings draw on surveys of approximately 21,000 internet-using children across 21 countries and interviews with 100 young people.
UNICEF stressed that the survey represents internet-using children rather than all children, particularly in countries with lower internet connectivity.
