Pakistan, Sept. 3 -- The 20m children suffered online sexual abuse report has highlighted a growing threat to children using digital platforms. UNICEF estimates that around 20 million children across 21 countries faced sexual exploitation or abuse online within one year. More than one in five internet-using children aged 12 to 17 experienced at least one form of abuse.

The study found that around 15 million children encountered unwanted sexual content during the period. Nearly nine million children faced pressure to engage in sexual conversations or share sexual images. Another four million had sexual images shared without their permission, while UNICEF warned that the global figure likely reaches many tens of millions.

UNICEF based the...