The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and partners have stated that more than 1.5 million children are affected by COVID-19 related school shutdowns and are spending more time online  with increased online sexual exploitation and cyber-bullying risks during the lockdown.

UNICEF along with partners: Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, International Telecommunication Union (ITU), UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), WePROTECT Global Alliance, World Health Organization (WHO), and World Childhood Foundation USA (Childhood USA), have released a new technical note urging governments, technology companies, parents, and educators to be vigilant and take necessary steps to protect children online.