UNICEF Report Warns of Growing Digital Threats to Children
Online Child Abuse
The digital world has become a big risk for children’s safety.
According to a UNICEF report recently published, almost 20 million children became victims of online sexual abuse.
These results are based on 21 leading countries from different regions.
UNICEF gathered the information through a survey of 12-17 years old children.
The report points out severe threats in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
One in five children became victims of some kind of online sexual exploitation.
Millions Exposed to Sexual Content
Almost 15 million children came into contact with unwanted sexual content on the internet.
In addition to that, approximately nine million children became victims of coercive actions in relation to sexual pictures or chats.
Four million children had their sexual images exposed without consent.
On the other hand, social media platforms account for 60% of the reported cases of exploitation.
The social media platforms include Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.
Online games represent 14% of the reported cases.
Abusers Often Are Known People
The report also reveals an alarming trend related to perpetrators of child abuse.
More than 50% of the cases involved children who were aware of their perpetrators.
These abusers included friends, relatives, or some other acquaintance.
But less than 1% of cases actually get reported to police and helplines.
This extremely low number indicates the gravity of the situation.
AI Technology Causes Additional Harm
There is yet another dimension that the artificial intelligence technology has created.
The number of sexually abusive images and videos involving children through manipulation through the technology of artificial intelligence has increased.
It is reported that approximately 1.1 million children got abused by this technology.
The technology has made it easier to create such content.
Effect of Online Abuse on Mental Wellbeing
Sexual exploitation on the internet may result in severe mental disorders among children.
Those abused children were likely to have suicidal tendencies four times higher than others.
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, pointed out the emotional pain that is faced by many children.
Many victims keep quiet due to fear and shame.
This way, victims fail to get timely assistance and protection.
Child Protection Urged by UNICEF
UNICEF has appealed to countries to enhance the protection of children.
UNICEF has also appealed to technology companies and governments to enact tougher laws on child exploitation on the internet.
Additionally, UNICEF has appealed to technology companies to guard against any abuse of artificial intelligence.
UNICEF wants better ways for reporting online child exploitation.
Cooperation between the government and technology companies and child protection organizations is extremely important.
Online Child Abuse
