A nationwide study on sexual violence against children and the sexual exploitation of children online was presented in Kyiv, highlighting the scale of digital risks facing Ukrainian children and the need for a coordinated response. Crown Agents Ukraine contributed to the professional discussion on potential solutions.
How has the digital environment changed for Ukrainian children during the war, and what new risks does it create?
On 6 May, Kyiv hosted the presentation of the nationwide study “Sexual Violence Against Children and Sexual Exploitation of Children on the Internet in Ukraine”, organised by Dignity Online (#stop_sexтинг).
The event brought together representatives of government, civil society, law enforcement, business and international partners to discuss current threats to children’s digital safety and possible responses.
Crown Agents Ukraine was represented by Project Manager Vanda Kozub, who participated in panel discussions focused on challenges and solutions in the field of online child protection.
The study highlighted the scale of the problem:
20% of children had received messages of a sexual nature;
13% had received intimate photos or videos;
3% had sent similar content themselves;
artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to create fake images for blackmail, humiliation or shaming.
These findings demonstrate how rapidly digital risks are evolving alongside technology. As a result, traditional approaches to child protection are no longer sufficient on their own.
An effective response requires coordinated action across several areas, including improved digital literacy for children and parents, support for victims, stronger legal frameworks, development of technological safeguards, and closer cooperation between government institutions, civil society, businesses and international partners.
The study provides an important evidence base for further policy development and practical measures aimed at protecting children in the digital environment.
Watch the press conference:
https://www.youtube.com/live/yNYUX2I8p7w
Watch the premiere of the short film on AI-related risks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ5FrYTReAk