UNICEF: 20 million children faced online sexual abuse in 21 countries

A new UNICEF report estimates that about 20 million children aged 12 to 17 across 21 countries have experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse, warning of a widespread trend enabled by digital platforms. The report combines survey data from two research rounds conducted between 2020 and 2025. It finds that over 15 million children were exposed to unwanted sexual content, and nearly 60 percent of recorded exploitation occurred on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp. Children who experienced such abuse were four times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or self-harm. More than 40 percent of cases were never shared with anyone, with fewer than one percent reported to authorities, prompting researchers to call for stronger protections from tech companies.