Crucially, the data indicates that 57 percent of cases involved people the children already knew, such as peers or family members, rather than anonymous strangers.
The findings highlight how the design and functionality of digital infrastructure contribute to these risks, with nearly 60 percent of abuse occurring on major social media platforms and 14 percent within online games.
UNICEF reports that perpetrators often exploit private messaging features and fake accounts to build trust or circulate non-consensual images.
The consequences of these digital harms are severe; children subjected to tech-facilitated abuse are four times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors compared to their peers, with even higher risks recorded in specific regions like Mexico and Pakistan.
To address these systemic vulnerabilities, UNICEF is calling for technology companies to make digital platforms "safer by design" by implementing stricter privacy protections and more effective abuse detection.
The report notes that fewer than one percent of cases are currently reported to authorities, largely because children are unsure where to seek help or fear the social stigma associated with disclosure.
Consequently, the organization advocates for stronger government regulations and a shift in accountability, moving the burden of protection away from children and onto the stakeholders who manage the digital spaces where they interact.