A staggering 27% of children in Eastern and Southern Africa face exposure to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse.
The high figure places the region at the top of globally surveyed areas, covering nations such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The findings come from the "Through Children's Eyes" report by UNICEF, released on September 1, 2026, which highlights the widespread prevalence of online sexual abuse across multiple continents.
Southeast Asia recorded the second-highest rate, with 19% of children exposed to online sexual threats and abuse. Data for this region includes Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
Latin America and the Caribbean follow closely behind, reporting an 18% exposure rate among children in countries including Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Mexico.
Meanwhile, Europe and Central Asia registered the lowest percentage among the surveyed regions, standing at 8%. Countries represented in this bloc include Armenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
The regional figures underline a growing global concern regarding child safety on digital platforms, demonstrating how digital expansion continues to expose minors to significant online risks depending on geographical location.
