A UNICEF report titled "From the children's perspective: How digital technologies facilitate child abuse" has revealed the scale of risks facing children in digital environments related to technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse.
The study examined nearly 21,000 child internet users aged 12 to 17 in 21 countries and found that one in five had been exposed to technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse.
15 million children encountered unwanted sexual content
According to the study, 15 million children in 21 countries encountered unwanted sexual content. Approximately 9 million children were also forced, against their will, to take part in sexually explicit chats or share such images.
The number of children whose sexually explicit images were shared was estimated at approximately 4 million. The report emphasized that the actual figures could be higher because children do not report every incident they experience.
Social media platforms account for 60 percent of cases
Approximately 60 percent of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse cases occurred on social media platforms. Online gaming platforms accounted for 14 percent of the cases.
Less than 1 percent of the incidents were reported to the authorities.
Russell calls for children to be protected
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said that more than 20 million children in digital environments had been exposed to unwanted sexually explicit content or subjected to online abuse.
Russell said this caused emotional and mental stress among children, adding that many suffered in silence without knowing whom to ask for help.
Four recommendations highlighted in the report
The study called on governments, technology companies and other stakeholders to strengthen child protection in the digital age. The report included the following recommendations:
- Making digital platforms safer
- Strengthening laws and regulations to protect children
- Establishing reporting and support systems that children can trust
- Reducing economic disadvantages
