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UNICEF Report Finds 20 Million Children Targeted Online Worldwide
UNICEF says many children are being harmed through the internet.
It estimates that 20 million children aged 12 to 17 faced sexual exploitation or abuse online in one year.
Some saw unwanted sexual material, while others were pressured to talk sexually or send pictures.
Private images were also shared without permission.
In some countries, artificial intelligence was used to make explicit images or videos showing children.
Many incidents happened on social media and in online games.
More than half of the reported cases involved someone the child already knew.
Very few children reported what happened, and UNICEF says the experiences can cause serious emotional harm.
UNICEF estimates that 20 million internet-using children aged 12 to 17 experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse in one year.
The estimate represents nearly one in five minors across 21 surveyed countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
More than 15 million children encountered unsolicited explicit material, while about 9 million faced coercive sexual interactions or requests for images.
Nearly 60% of incidents occurred on major social media platforms, and 14% took place in online gaming environments.
More than 40% of victims told no one, and fewer than 1% reported incidents to authorities, services, or helplines.
- Who
- UNICEF reported on internet-using children aged 12 to 17 and the people exploiting or abusing them online.
- What
- An estimated 20 million children experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse within one year.
- Where
- The data came from 21 surveyed countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, with India identified as facing similar challenges.
- When
- The estimate covers a single year; the report was published on September 4, 2026.
- Why
- The findings were presented to highlight the scale of online child sexual abuse and encourage governments and technology platforms to improve protections.
Key facts
- Estimated children affected
- 20 million internet-using children aged 12 to 17 in one year
- Survey coverage
- 21 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe
- Unwanted explicit material
- More than 15 million children
- Coercive interactions
- About 9 million children were pressured into sexual conversations or sending explicit images
- Known perpetrators
- 57% of cases involved peers, acquaintances, or family members known to the victim
- Reporting gap
- Fewer than 1% reported incidents to law enforcement, social services, or dedicated helplines
- Platform distribution
- Nearly 60% of incidents occurred on major social media networks and 14% in online gaming environments
Sources
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