20 Million Children Face Online Sexual Abuse, UNICEF Warns
Synopsis
Nearly one in five internet-using children aged 12 to 17 across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse, according to UNICEF, revealing how digital platforms can become channels for serious child safety threats.
UNICEF online sexual abuse report reveals that 20 million internet users aged between 12 and 17 years old have been subjected to at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year in 21 countries, according to findings released on 3 September.
The report, titled ‘Through Children’s Eyes: How Digital Technologies Enable Child Sexual Abuse’, was published by UNICEF based on national surveys conducted with nearly 21,000 internet users and 100 child abuse survivors.
Social Media Accounts for Nearly 60% of Cases
In addition, more than half of the sexual abuse cases occurred on social media sites, including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, WhatsApp, and online games, which accounted for 14% of respondents.
Moreover, over 15 million children witnessed sexually explicit material, while about 9 million children were exposed to sexual conversations or images. According to the study, 4 million people had their sexual images distributed without consent.
In addition, the research found that in 57% of cases, the abusers were people the children already knew, and 38% of child abuse survivors met the offender online. Additionally, the results indicate that more than 40% of those affected did not report the incident to anyone, and less than 1% attempted to report it to the authorities.
Country Research Spans Asia, Africa and Europe
The study covers Asia, Africa, and Europe in 21 countries in two waves. The first round of research, conducted mainly in 2020–2021, included Cambodia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mozambique, Namibia, Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, and Viet Nam.
In 2024–2025, the study’s scope was expanded to include Armenia, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Pakistan, and Serbia.
The report indicates that there are considerable disparities between the countries, with Vietnam accounting for only 5.5% of children using the Internet, while the Philippines recorded 29%.
The UNICEF online sexual abuse report also highlights the growing threats posed by artificial intelligence. According to the report, in nine of the countries covered, 1.1 million children said that AI-generated sexually explicit material was created by them.
For businesses that provide social media, gaming, and other digital services to children, the report contains vital country-level data on child sexual exploitation and abuse. UNICEF has called for stronger measures to improve reporting and detection procedures and protect children from further exploitation and abuse.
Source: UNICEF
Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
