The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says about 20 million children aged 12 to 17 across 21 countries experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation, representing roughly one in five children in the age group studied.
According to a new UNICEF report, disclosed on Thursday September 3, nearly 60 per cent of the cases occurred on social media platforms, while online gaming accounted for 14 per cent. The report said more than 15 million children were exposed to unwanted sexual content, while millions more were pressured into sexual conversations or had private images shared without consent.
UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, said the findings exposed a painful reality for children who face abuse in digital spaces where they learn, play and interact. The report also found that 57 per cent of perpetrators were known to the children, while more than 40 per cent of cases were never disclosed and fewer than one per cent were reported to authorities.
UNICEF said affected children reported fear, shame, anxiety, isolation and loss of trust, with exploited children significantly more likely to report serious emotional distress and self-harm risks. Russell urged governments and technology companies to strengthen online safety measures and ensure children have clear, accessible channels to seek help.
Leave a comment