According to a report released by UNICEF, approximately 20 million children in 21 countries experience online sexual abuse or exploitation each year. The report indicates that more than one in five children aged 12 to 17 have been targeted on digital platforms. The findings were based on surveys conducted with 21,000 children who used the internet between 2020 and 2021, and again between 2024 and 2025, along with in-depth interviews with 100 young people who have experienced abuse.
The report highlights that social media is a significant facilitator of abuse, with over half of the cases occurring on these platforms. UNICEF noted that the figures may be underreported, as less than 1 percent of incidents are reported to authorities. The report estimates that more than 15 million children were exposed to unwanted sexual content, nine million were solicited for sexual conversations or images, and four million had sexual images of themselves shared without consent.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated, "The report reveals a painful reality. More than 20 million children across the countries studied were subjected to unwanted explicit sexual content or exploitation online, often in the digital spaces where they learn, play, and connect with friends." She emphasized the emotional and mental distress caused by these experiences and the need for better reporting mechanisms.
The report also discussed the challenges children face in recognizing abuse and knowing how to report it. Many children fear repercussions and find formal reporting systems intimidating. Nighat Dad, executive director of the Digital Rights Foundation in Pakistan, pointed out that cultural barriers often prevent children from disclosing abuse.
The report found that more than 60 percent of abuse cases occurred on social media platforms, with Facebook being the most common platform used. It also noted that children often do not seek help, with over 40 percent of cases remaining undisclosed.
UNICEF highlighted the severe repercussions of online abuse, noting that children exposed to such exploitation are four times more likely to have suicidal thoughts and engage in self-harm. The report calls for governments and technology companies to take responsibility for protecting children online and to improve the design and regulation of online spaces.
In response to the report, a spokesperson for Meta stated that the findings are based on surveys from 2020, prior to the implementation of protective measures recommended by UNICEF. The spokesperson emphasized the company's commitment to combating child exploitation on its platforms.