One in 12 children faces online sexual exploitation or abuse, new report warns

Experts found image-based abuse and online solicitation were the most prevalent types of abuse, affecting an average of one in eight children - (Getty Images)

One in 12 children around the world is exposed to online child sexual exploitation and abuse, and experts say the issue is escalating thanks to the rapid development of and easier access to social media.

The researchers said online child sexual exploitation was “an urgent public health issue that is escalating, facilitated by the so-called triple-A engine of accessibility, affordability, and anonymity”.