80pc youth exposed to online sexual abuse: UNICEF

Eight out of 10 18-year-olds believe young people are in danger of being sexually abused or taken advantage of online, shows a new UNICEF study.

It adds more than five out of 10 think friends participate in risky behaviours while using the internet.

The study - Perils and Possibilities: Growing up online -- is based on an international opinion poll of more than 10,000 18-year-olds from 25 countries.

It reveals young people’s perspectives on the risks they face growing up in an increasingly connected world.

“The internet and mobile phones have revolutionised young people’s access to information, but the poll findings show just how real the risk of online abuse is for girls and boys,” UNICEF’s associate director of child protection, Cornelius Williams observed.

Globally, one in three internet users is a child.

“Today’s findings provide important insights from young people themselves. UNICEF aims to amplify adolescents’ voices to help address online violence, exploitation and abuse, and make sure that children can take full advantage of the benefits the internet and mobile phones offer,” Cornelius Williams said.

The new report finds that adolescents appear confident with their own ability to stay safe, with nearly 90 per cent of interviewees believing they can avoid online dangers.

Approximately six out of 10 said meeting new people online is either somewhat or very important to them, but only 36 per cent strongly believe they can tell when people are lying about who they are online.

More than two-thirds of girls - 67 per cent - strongly agree they would be worried if they received sexual comments or requests over the internet. This compares to 47 per cent of boys.

When online threats do occur, more adolescents turn to friends than parents or teachers, but less than half strongly agree they know how to help a friend facing an online risk, according to the study.