An estimated 20 million children aged 12 to 17 suffered at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in a single year across 21 countries, according to a UNICEF report published under the title “Through Children’s Eyes: How Digital Technologies Enable Child Sexual Abuse.”
The findings show more than 15 million children were exposed to unwanted sexual content, nine million received requests for sexual conversations or images against their will, and four million had sexual images of themselves distributed without consent.
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The report indicates nearly 60% of cases occurred on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and WhatsApp, while 14% took place in online games. Platform features and design were used to exploit children’s trust, the report said.
In 57% of cases, the abuse involved someone the child already knew, including other minors, romantic partners, friends or family members. In 38% of cases, first contact with the abuser happened online, often through fake accounts and private messaging features.
Children who suffered technology-facilitated exploitation were four times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or behaviors and self-harm, and showed considerably higher anxiety levels. In Mexico and North Macedonia, that risk was more than eight times higher, while in Pakistan it was more than seven times higher.
More than 40% of cases were never reported. Less than 1% were reported to authorities such as police, social workers or helplines. The most common reason for silence was not knowing where to go or whom to tell.
In Montenegro, more than 80% of reported cases were linked to social media. In Colombia, social media platforms were connected to more than half of cases. In Armenia, more than half of cases were never disclosed to anyone.
Children should never have to choose between asking for help and facing consequences they fear.
Supportive, non-judgmental responses can make it much safer for children and young people to speak up and get the help they need. #DisruptingHarm pic.twitter.com/ULC1Z3WPjg
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) September 7, 2026
UNICEF is urging governments to make digital platforms safer by design, restrict unsolicited adult contact, improve recommendation system safety and strengthen abuse detection and reporting. The agency also calls for stronger legislation and enforcement against new forms of abuse, including sexual extortion and AI-generated abuse material.
The report recommends creating trusted reporting and support systems, investing in child protection, health, justice and social services, and addressing social and gender norms that normalize the sexualization of girls and stigmatize survivors.
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