Summary UNICEF says 1.5 million Pakistani children faced online sexual abuse in a year, urging stronger parental supervision, safer reporting channels and improved child protection.
LONDON (Dunya News) – Around 1.5 million Pakistani children faced sexual abuse online over the course of a year, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which has urged parents to closely monitor children’s access to digital platforms.
UNICEF warned against allowing children unrestricted access to online platforms and stressed the need for effective parental supervision.
According to the organisation, 57% of affected children did not disclose their experiences because of shame, fear of their families’ reactions and concerns about social stigma.
UNICEF also identified the creation of fake images and videos of children using artificial intelligence (AI) as an emerging threat.
A research report issued by the organisation found that social media accounted for 44% of reported online harassment incidents. In 85% of the cases described by affected children, the alleged perpetrator was someone they knew.
The report identified sending inappropriate images and messages to children, requesting private photographs, distributing images and blackmailing victims as major forms of online sexual abuse.
UNICEF called for addressing gaps in Pakistan’s legal system, improving investigations and strengthening child protection mechanisms. It also stressed the need to provide safe channels for reporting abuse.
