UNICEF: 20 million children faced online sexual abuse in one year

A UNICEF report reveals that approximately 20 million children and adolescents aged 12 to 17 across 21 countries were victims of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse within a one-year period. The study, based on interviews conducted between 2020 and 2025, estimates 9 million minors were coerced into sexual conversations or sharing intimate images, 4 million had records leaked, and 15 million were exposed to unwanted sexual content. Digital platforms account for about 60% of violations, notably Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and WhatsApp. Experts believe real numbers are higher, as over 40% of reported episodes were never disclosed by victims. In Brazil, 19% of youths surveyed reported experiencing such violence, with a reporting rate below 1%. Online games account for 14% of cases globally, and 57% of incidents involved people known to the victim.