The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Department of Social Development conducted a nationwide study.

A total of 2 643 children aged between nine and 17 years were surveyed.

Over 1 300 parents and caregivers in the country also participated in the study, exploring children's online behaviour and experiences.

"We are aware that child sexual abuse takes place via a variety of mediums. For instance, the University of South Africa's Youth Research Unit of the Bureau for Market Research study that is titled "Among secondary school learners in Gauteng" revealed that more than two-thirds (or, 68.1% percent) of the learners who participated in the study had been exposed to online pornographic material in the preceding twelve months.

Such exposure was widespread and occurred among girls and boys aged between 12 and 20 years", says Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu.

Zulu was speaking at the Launch of the Disrupting Harm Report on Friday in Sandton.

Sexting among children has increased with over 37% percent of secondary school pupils having shared indecent pictures of themselves.

"The second key finding was on the phenomenon that is known as 'sexting', in which the study found that 37.9% of secondary school learners who participated in the survey shared, for lack of a better phrase, moderately indecent pictures of themselves with others; 7.6% took pictures of their genitalia, and 6.3% took naked pictures of themselves.

"The abuse, neglect and exploitation of children - girls and boys alike - are intentional conducts that make this an epidemic that is drowning the mental health, physical well-being, and prospects of South Africa's future," adds Zulu.

ECR