An estimated 20 million children aged 12 to 17 have experienced at least one form of technology‑facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse within a single year, according to a UNICEF report released Thursday.
The report reveals that 1 in 5 children across 21 countries are affected, highlighting a rapidly escalating global crisis in which digital platforms are increasingly used to target, manipulate and harm children.
The report, ‘Through Children’s Eyes: How Digital Technologies Enable Child Sexual Abuse’, draws on one of the largest bodies of survey data available and incorporates firsthand testimonies from children.
UNICEF says the true scale of the problem is likely far higher due to widespread underreporting.
“These experiences cause profound emotional and mental distress,” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said. “Many children suffer in silence, unsure where to turn for help. We cannot look away.”
Nearly 60% of cases took place in online gaming environments, where private messaging occurred on mainstream social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and WhatsApp.
Another 14% took place in online gaming environments, where private messaging and interactive features can be exploited.
More than 40% of cases were never shared with anyone. Fewer than 1% were reported to authorities such as police, social workers or helplines.
Many children said they did not know where to go or who to tell. In Armenia, more than half of cases were never disclosed at all.
UNICEF called on governments, technology companies and communities to act urgently by introducing safer digital platforms with stronger privacy protections and restrictions on unsolicited adult contact.
