Archive · 3 Sep 2026
UNICEF Says Millions of Children Face Online Sexual Abuse
UNICEF studied online safety for children.
It said one out of every five children aged 12 to 17 in several regions faced at least one type of sexual abuse online.
The regions included Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
The abuse happened during the year before the children were asked about it.
UNICEF said the study may not show the full size of the problem.
It believes many more children around the world may be affected.
The total number of cases could reach tens of millions.
This means children need better protection when using the internet.
UNICEF reported that one in five surveyed children faced online sexual abuse.
The affected children were aged 12 to 17.
The report covered Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
The abuse occurred during the year before the children were surveyed.
UNICEF said the true global number is likely much higher, potentially reaching tens of millions.
- Who
- Children aged 12 to 17 in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, according to UNICEF.
- What
- A UNICEF report found that one in five surveyed children faced at least one form of sexual abuse online.
- When
- During the year before the children were surveyed.
- Where
- Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe.
- Why
- The report highlighted the scale of online sexual abuse and warned that the global total may be much higher.
- Reporting organization
- UNICEF
- Affected age group
- 12 to 17
- Reported rate
- One in five children
- Regions covered
- Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe
- Reference period
- The year before the survey
- Estimated global scale
- Potentially tens of millions of cases