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UNICEF report finds one in five children in 21 countries faced digital abuse
A UNICEF study of approximately 21,000 child internet users in 21 countries found that one in five had experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse. The study said 15 million children had been exposed to unwanted sexual content, while 9 million had been forced into sexual conversations or to share sexual images.
UNICEF has published a report titled “Through the eyes of children: How digital technologies facilitate child sexual exploitation and abuse,” examining technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse targeting children.
The study examined approximately 21,000 internet-using children aged 12 to 17 in 21 countries and found that one in five had experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse.
Millions of children exposed to unwanted content
According to the report, 15 million children across the 21 countries encountered unwanted sexual content. Approximately 9 million children were forced against their will to participate in sexual conversations or share sexual images.
The report said the sexual images of approximately 4 million children had been shared. It stressed that the actual figures could be higher, given that children do not report every incident.
Most cases occur on social media platforms
Approximately 60 percent of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse cases occurred on social media platforms. Online gaming platforms accounted for 14 percent of cases, while less than 1 percent of incidents were reported to the authorities.
UNICEF calls for stronger protection of children
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said that more than 20 million children had been exposed to unwanted explicit content or subjected to abuse online.
Russell said this caused emotional and psychological distress among children, adding that many suffered in silence without knowing whom to ask for help.
Recommendations in the report
The study called on governments, technology companies and other stakeholders to improve the protection of children in the digital age.
- Making digital platforms safer
- Strengthening laws and regulations to protect children
- Establishing reporting and support systems that children can trust
- Reducing economic disadvantages
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