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Unicef: 1.5 Million Pakistani Children Suffered Online Sexual Abuse Annually
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Firstpost•21-09-2026, 10:29
Unicef: 1.5 Million Pakistani Children Suffered Online Sexual Abuse Annually
- •A Unicef report reveals 1.5 million children in Pakistan experienced online sexual abuse in a single year, with 85% of perpetrators known to victims aged 12-17.
- •Stigma, shame, and fear of family reactions prevent 71% of victims from reporting abuse, with none surveyed using formal channels like police or helplines.
- •Online grooming often begins with seemingly innocent interactions like gaming or promises of gifts, money, or romance, as perpetrators build trust over time.
- •44% of reported abuse was entirely online, with Snapchat and WhatsApp being common platforms; girls in conservative environments face heightened risks of sexual extortion.
- •A proposed ban on social media for children under 16 in Punjab faces opposition from digital rights activists who argue it's unenforceable and infringes on freedom of expression.
Key Questions Answered
A Unicef report estimated that around 1.5 million children in Pakistan experienced online sexual abuse in a single year.
The Unicef report found that approximately 85 per cent of perpetrators targeting children aged 12 to 17 were known to their victims.
In response to growing online safety concerns, Punjab’s provincial government passed a resolution seeking to prevent children under 16 from using social media, though it faced opposition from digital rights advocates.
