UNICEF reports 20 million children aged 12‑17 sexually exploited online in 21 countries

A United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report released Thursday reveals that approximately 20 million children aged 12 to 17—equating to one in five adolescents—have been sexually exploited by perpetrators using digital technologies, including social‑media platforms. The study, which covered 21 countries across multiple regions, highlights the scale of online sexual exploitation and underscores the vulnerability of teenagers who are increasingly active in virtual environments.

The report attributes the rise in abuse to the ease with which offenders can conceal their identities and manipulate victims through messaging apps, video calls, and social networks. UNICEF calls for coordinated action among governments, technology companies, and civil‑society groups to strengthen legal frameworks, improve online safety education, and enhance detection and reporting mechanisms. The agency stresses that timely interventions are essential to protect at‑risk youth and to curb the growing threat of technology‑facilitated sexual exploitation.