One in ten children affected by sexual abuse facilitated by digital tech

• Stronger prevention and safer online spaces needed

One in ten internet-using children aged 12–17 in Montenegro (11%) has experienced sexual exploitation or abuse involving digital technologies, according to the “Disrupting Harm in Montenegro” report presented recently in Podgorica.

The research, implemented by UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence – Innocenti, ECPAT International and INTERPOL, with funding from Safe Online and in cooperation with the Government of Montenegro, is part of a global study across 25 countries in six regions.

It highlights the need for stronger legislation and prevention systems, and better media, digital and AI literacy for families. The report also calls for more child-friendly reporting mechanisms, and safer online environments, while offering practical recommendations to strengthen prevention and response.

The findings presented are based on a research conducted between 2023 and 2025, including a nationally representative survey with 1,039 children aged 12–17 and 1,039 of their parents or guardians, as well as interviews with young people who were subjected to tech-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse as children-, frontline workers, justice professionals and police, alongside an analysis of current laws and policies.

The findings show that this violence often happens within children’s existing relationships, not only with strangers online. In 66% of cases, the person responsible was someone the child already knew, such as a peer or family member. At the same time, 59% of instances of abuse and exploitation were not shared by children with anyone, often because they did not see it as serious or felt ashamed.

Harmful social norms make this worse. Girls are more likely to face stigma and blame, while abuse affecting boys is often minimised or ignored, making it harder for them to speak out and get support.

Digital technologies play a central role. In 82% of cases, the abuse involved social media. New technologies, including AI, are already being used to create fake sexual content involving children and this can occur without their knowledge.

Young people are clear about what is missing.

The report also shows that violence moves between online and offline spaces, making it harder to recognise and respond to.

UNICEF and partners are calling for urgent, coordinated action, including prevention through media, digital and AI literacy, education on healthy relationships and boundaries, and a stronger legal framework to ensure safer digital environments and greater platform accountability.

At the same time, systems must respond better when abuse occurs, including through safe and accessible reporting mechanisms, stronger coordination between schools, social services, police and the justice system, and specialised, child-centred support.

The “Disrupting Harm in Montenegro” report was presented in Podgorica, marking a call for stronger, coordinated action to prevent and respond to violence against children in the digital age.

ECPAT International Head of Program Justice and Child Rights Andrea Varrella said: “All children, regardless of age, must be equally protected from technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse. The Disrupting Harm in Montenegro study shows that older children may, in fact, face greater exposure to harm – yet Montenegrin law reduces penalties for some of these crimes once a child turns 14, and some provisions do not cover older children at all. Sexual abuse and exploitation of children must be judged and punished based on their severity, not the child’s age. Assumptions about who can be subjected to abuse are just that: assumptions. All children under 18 are at risk and must be equally protected.”

INTERPOL Head of Crimes against Children Unit Beavan said: “Disrupting Harm research will strengthen national responses to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse in Montenegro by providing robust, evidence-based insights into offending patterns and the victim experience. Drawing on data from law enforcement and partner organisations, it will enhance collaboration among key stakeholders and support the development of strategic, victim-centred approaches. Aligned with INTERPOL’s global resolutions on crimes against children, the Disrupting Harm Montenegro Report offers actionable recommendations to improve prevention, investigation, and safeguarding efforts in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.”

UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence – Innocenti Researcher Anisha Bhargava said: “Disrupting Harm in Montenegro shows that technology is not creating new risks in isolation, but amplifying patterns of exploitation and abuse that already exist. The findings highlight how shame, stigma and harmful social norms silence children and shift responsibility away from perpetrators, leaving most abuse undisclosed and unsupported. This evidence underscores the need for stronger prevention, open conversations with children, and systems that are accessible, trusted and child-centred.”

Safe Online Executive Director Marija Manojlovic said: “Disrupting Harm in Montenegro reveals a sobering truth: technology-facilitated sexual abuse is so normalised that children often fail to recognise it as harm, while stigma silences those who do. This report shifts the burden of safety from children to the systems meant to protect them, with Safe Online’s $ 15 million investment across 25 countries turning evidence into actionable safety roadmaps. We commend the Government of Montenegro, ECPAT, INTERPOL, UNICEF, and local partners for their leadership in moving from analysis to lasting change.”