20 Million Children Face Online Sexual Exploitation: UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that 20 million children aged 12 to 17 across 21 countries have experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation. The report, released on Thursday, indicates that one in five children in this age group was affected, with nearly 60 percent of cases occurring on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and WhatsApp.

Over 15 million children were exposed to unwanted sexual content, while nine million faced pressure to engage in sexual conversations or share images. Additionally, four million children had sexual images of themselves shared without consent.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated that these experiences lead to profound emotional and mental distress, with children reporting feelings of fear, shame, and confusion. The report also noted that children experiencing such exploitation were four times more likely to report suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

UNICEF called for governments and technology companies to enhance protective measures for children against online sexual exploitation.