UNICEF estimates that as many as 20 million children a year face online sexual abuse, with more than one in five children aged 12 to 17 targeted on digital platforms, according to the UN children's agency.
Key facts
- UNICEF estimates 20 million children a year face online sexual abuse.
- More than one in five children aged 12 to 17 were targeted on digital platforms, according to UNICEF.
- The findings come from UNICEF, the UN children's agency.
- The report was published in September 2026, as reported by Al Jazeera.
An estimated 20 million children a year face online sexual abuse, according to UNICEF, the United Nations children’s agency.
The agency reported that more than one in five children aged 12 to 17 were targeted on digital platforms, according to reporting by Al Jazeera.
Further details of the agency’s methodology and full findings were not available in the source material.
Why it matters
UNICEF's figures point to online sexual abuse as a significant risk to children who use digital platforms. The reported scale raises questions about how platforms, parents and policymakers protect young users, though the source provides limited detail on the agency's full findings.
Frequently asked questions
How many children face online sexual abuse each year?
UNICEF estimates that 20 million children a year face online sexual abuse.
Which age group is most affected?
According to UNICEF, more than one in five children aged 12 to 17 were targeted on digital platforms.
Who produced these findings?
The figures come from UNICEF, the United Nations children's agency.