1 in 5 African Children Sexually Abused Online—Most Never Report It

More than half of the abuse took place on mainstream social media platforms, yet less than 1 percent of victims reported it to authorities, according to a new UNICEF report. The study, covering 21 countries across Africa, found that one in five children has experienced tech-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse. This includes being pressured into sexual conversations, receiving unsolicited sexual images, or having sexual content shared without consent. UNICEF says the findings reveal a silent crisis. Most children do not tell anyone, and even fewer go to police or child protection services. The report stresses that mainstream social media—not hidden corners of the internet—is where the majority of these incidents occur. The agency is calling for stronger safety measures on digital platforms, better reporting systems, and more support for young victims. It also urges governments to enforce laws that hold tech companies accountable for protecting children online.