UNICEF disclosed this in a report released on Thursday, noting that nearly 60 per cent of recorded cases occurred on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and WhatsApp.
The report found that more than 15 million children were exposed to unwanted sexual content, while nine million were pressured into sexual conversations or sharing sexual images.
Another four million children reportedly had sexual images of themselves shared without their consent.
UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, described the findings as alarming, saying:
“The report reveals a painful reality. More than 20 million children across the countries studied were subjected to unwanted explicit sexual content or exploitation online.”
Russell said the abuse often occurred in digital spaces where children learn, play and interact with friends.
According to UNICEF, 14 per cent of recorded exploitation cases occurred through online games, whose features were sometimes exploited by perpetrators to build trust with children.
The report also found that 38 per cent of children first encountered perpetrators online, while anonymity features on digital platforms facilitated abuse.
In Montenegro, more than 80 per cent of reported exploitation cases involved social media platforms.
Across the 21 countries studied, 57 per cent of cases involved perpetrators known to the children, including peers, friends and family members.
Children interviewed by researchers described experiencing fear, shame, confusion and isolation following technology-facilitated sexual exploitation. They also reported significant effects on their emotional wellbeing, sense of safety and ability to trust others.
A young woman from the Dominican Republic recalled having private images circulated without her consent when she was 14.
“I didn’t know how to react. I felt a little in shock,” she said.
UNICEF further reported that children who experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation were four times more likely to report suicidal thoughts, behaviours and self-harm.
The affected children also reported significantly higher levels of anxiety, while Pakistan recorded more than sevenfold higher self-harm risks among exploited children.
More than 40 per cent of technology-facilitated abuse cases were reportedly never disclosed, while fewer than one per cent were reported to authorities.
UNICEF said the most common reason children did not disclose their experiences was uncertainty about whom to tell.
Russell urged governments and technology companies to strengthen measures aimed at protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse online.
“These experiences cause profound emotional and mental distress. Many children suffer in silence, unsure where to turn for help. We cannot look away.”
She called for stronger action to make online spaces safer for children and ensure victims have access to appropriate support.
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