Home/News/UNICEF: 20 Million Children Face Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Each Year
UNICEF: 20 Million Children Face Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Each Year
Aashia Punjabi
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Aashia Punjabi
Category
World
Read Time
2 min
Date
Sep 4, 2026
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UNICEF: 20 Million Children Face Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Each Year

September 4, 2026
By: Aashia Punjabi
World
2 min read

UNICEF: 20 Million Children Face Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Each Year

According to a UNICEF report published recently, about 20 million children in 21 developing countries and Eastern Europe are exposed to the crime of online sexual abuse and exploitation each year through social networking websites such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. More than 60 percent of this crime is committed through social networking sites; however, less than one percent of these crimes are brought before law enforcement agencies for various reasons including stigma, fear, and non-existent support system. Mental health consequences include increased risk of self-harm and suicide attempts. This report comes at a time when Meta has been found guilty of a staggering $18 billion fine.

Published: September 4, 2026Updated: September 5, 2026
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