More than 20 million children across countries studied by UNICEF experienced unwanted sexual content or other forms of online sexual exploitation, highlighting growing concerns over children’s safety on the internet.
The findings are based on nationally representative surveys of around 21,000 internet-using children aged 12 to 17 across 21 countries, conducted between 2020 and 2025. Researchers also interviewed 100 young people who had experienced childhood abuse.
Social media emerges as a major danger
More than 60 per cent of reported cases took place on social media platforms, according to the study.
The report found that online abuse can involve initial contact, grooming, sexual solicitation, sharing of images, coercion, blackmail and the continued circulation of sexual content.
Facebook accounted for 50 per cent of cases, followed by WhatsApp at 29 per cent, Instagram at 24 per cent, Snapchat at 13 per cent and TikTok at 12 per cent.
UNICEF cautioned that the figures could underestimate the scale of the problem because many children do not report their experiences.
Most children never tell anyone
The study found that less than 1 per cent of cases were reported to police, social workers or helplines.
More than four in 10 children did not disclose their experiences to anyone at all. Researchers said some children did not recognise that they had been abused, while others feared punishment, stigma or repercussions at home.
Gender expectations can make the problem worse. Girls may face blame or concerns about family honour, while boys can be pressured to remain silent or appear to cope on their own.
Online abuse can leave lasting scars
UNICEF said children exposed to technology-facilitated sexual abuse and exploitation were four times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm, alongside higher levels of anxiety.
The effects can extend into education, relationships and everyday life, even when the abuse happens entirely online.
UNICEF calls for stronger protection
UNICEF says governments and technology companies must take greater responsibility for protecting children rather than placing the burden on young users.
The organisation has called for safer platform design, stronger regulation and better systems through which children can seek help.
The findings also come as social media companies face increasing legal and public pressure over children’s safety online, including major litigation involving Meta.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said the findings revealed a painful reality in which millions of children face abuse in the same digital spaces where they learn, play and connect with others.