New research from the Disrupting Harm project reveals that more than 1 in 8 children in Mexico were subjected to technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse within a single year. This represents an estimated 1.6 million children.

Behind these numbers are real experiences. Children and young people who took part in the research described feelings of fear, shame, guilt and self-blame. Many said they continued to feel exposed and vulnerable long after the abuse had ended — especially when sexual images or videos of them remained online or were shared again.

The message of the report is clear: no child should have to carry this harm alone. To respond effectively, the report calls for:

• Trauma-informed support for children who have experienced online abuse
• Stronger child protection systems that can prevent harm and respond quickly
• Trusted adults – parents, teachers and professionals – who listen and respond without blame or judgment

The research was carried out by UNICEF Innocenti, ECPAT International and INTERPOL, with the support of Safe Online, as part of the global Disrupting Harm initiative.

These findings remind us why cooperation across borders and sectors is essential. Protecting children online is a shared responsibility — and it starts with listening to children themselves.

These are exactly the issues at the heart of the Connect to Protect conference. Technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse, trauma-informed support for victims and survivors, and the role of trusted adults and professionals in responding without blame or judgment are among the key topics that will be discussed by experts, practitioners and policymakers during the conference. Research like Disrupting Harm helps inform this dialogue and strengthens our common efforts to keep children safe online.

 Read the full report here