Around 1.5 million children in Pakistan experienced online sexual harassment within a year, according to UNICEF, which has urged parents to closely monitor children’s access to digital platforms.
The United Nations agency working for children’s welfare has warned that unrestricted access to the internet can expose children to online abuse and exploitation. It has called for stronger parental supervision and more effective measures to protect children in digital spaces.
According to UNICEF, 57% of affected children did not disclose their experiences to anyone due to shame, fear of their families’ reactions and concerns about social stigma.
The agency has also identified the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake images and videos of children as an emerging threat.
A UNICEF research report found that social media accounted for 44% of reported online harassment incidents. Meanwhile, in 85% of the cases described by affected children, the alleged perpetrator was someone they knew.
The report identified several forms of online sexual harassment, including sending sexually explicit images and messages to children, requesting private photographs, distributing such images without consent and using them for blackmail.
UNICEF has stressed the need to address gaps in Pakistan’s legal framework, improve investigations and strengthen child protection mechanisms. It has also called for safe and accessible reporting channels to help children report abuse and seek assistance without fear.
The findings highlight the importance of greater parental awareness, stronger safeguards on digital platforms and coordinated efforts to protect children from online sexual exploitation and harassment.
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