UNICEF Report: Around 1.5 Million Pakistani Children Face Online Sexual Harassment in a Year.

Islamabad: According to UNICEF, the United Nations agency responsible for promoting children's welfare, approximately 1.5 million Pakistani children experienced online sexual harassment over the course of one year.
The report states that 57% of affected children did not disclose their experiences to anyone due to shame, fear of family reactions and concerns about social stigma.
AI-Generated Fake Images of Children Emerge as a Growing Threat
UNICEF has identified the creation of fake images and videos of children using artificial intelligence (AI) as an emerging threat. The agency has urged parents to avoid giving children unrestricted access to digital platforms and to ensure effective supervision of their online activities.
Social Media and Risks from Known Individuals
According to the report, social media accounted for 44% of reported online harassment incidents. In 85% of the incidents described by affected children, the alleged perpetrator was someone they knew.
UNICEF identified several forms of online sexual harassment, including sending inappropriate images and messages to children, requesting private images, distributing images without consent and blackmailing victims.
UNICEF Calls for Stronger Child Protection Measures
UNICEF has emphasised the need to address gaps in Pakistan's legal framework, improve investigations and strengthen the country's child protection system.
The report also highlights the importance of providing safe, accessible and reliable channels for reporting abuse so that affected children and their families can seek help without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Protecting children online is a shared responsibility of parents, educational institutions, relevant authorities and digital platforms.