Millions of children face online sexual exploitation, UNICEF reports
UNICEF has revealed that 20 million children aged 12 to 17 in 21 countries have experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation. The report highlights that one in five children in this age group has been affected, with most cases occurring on social media platforms. Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director, emphasized the emotional and mental distress caused by these experiences. The report calls for stronger action from governments and technology companies to protect children online.
Highlights
- UNICEF found that nearly 60 per cent of cases happened on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and WhatsApp.
- Over 15 million children were exposed to unwanted sexual content, and nine million were pressured into sexual conversations or sharing images.
- Four million children had sexual images of themselves shared without their consent.
- 57 per cent of cases involved perpetrators known to the children, such as peers, friends, or family members.
- Less than one per cent of abuse cases were reported to authorities, with many children unsure whom to tell.
