The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) in Portugal argued that banning minors from social media is not the solution to stop the growing number of sexual abuses practiced online against children. The organization warned that this measure does not solve the problem and may even drive children away from spaces where they could find support.
According to Unicef's report, last year more than 20 million children from 21 countries were targets of sexual abuses online. The data reveals the global and growing dimension of this problem that affects minors worldwide.
The organization emphasized that it is necessary to invest in the digital education of children, parents and educators, as well as in strengthening the capacity of authorities to investigate and act against these crimes. Unicef advocates for an approach that protects children without isolating them from the digital environment.
