Most teenagers know the dangers children are exposed to

Not a safe place: A Unicef survey found that teenagers believe children are vulnerable to sexual abuse online.

KUALA LUMPUR: Eight out of 10 teenagers believe children and adolescents are in danger of online sexual abuse, a United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) survey has shown.

The global poll participated by more than 10,000 18-year-olds from 25 different countries, titled “Perils and Possibilities: Growing up online”, also found that more than half of the interviewees think their friends took part in risky behaviours while using the Internet.

“Globally, one in three Internet users is a child.

“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,” said its associate director of child protection Cornelius Williams.

The report also revealed that adolescents appeared confident with their ability to stay safe, with nearly 90% of interviewees believing they could avoid online dangers.

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