Study finds 1.5 million Pakistani children face online sexual abuse

Around 1.5 million internet-using children in Pakistan experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse within a single year, according to a new study. The findings have raised concerns about children’s online safety as artificial intelligence creates additional risks of exploitation, cyberbullying and digital harassment.

The research, titled Disrupting Harm in Pakistan, was published in September 2026 by UNICEF, ECPAT International and INTERPOL. It found that nearly one in 16 internet-using children aged between 12 and 17 had experienced online sexual exploitation or abuse during the period examined.

The findings come as Najat Maalla M’jid, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative on Violence Against Children, urged governments to strengthen protections for children facing growing threats from digital technology, conflict and other global crises.

Presenting her final report to the UN General Assembly on Monday, M’jid warned that artificial intelligence had created new opportunities for learning and communication but had also increased the risks of child sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, deepfakes and the recruitment of children into criminal activities.

She also highlighted the wider challenges facing children worldwide, including conflict, displacement, poverty and climate-related disasters. According to her remarks, nearly 45 million children have been displaced by conflict and natural disasters, adding to the pressure on child-protection systems.

The Pakistan study revealed that online abuse often involves people known to the victims rather than complete strangers. In 85 per cent of the reported incidents covered by the findings, the alleged perpetrator was someone the child already knew. Social media accounted for 44 per cent of reported cases, making it the most frequently identified digital setting for abuse.

The forms of abuse included unwanted sexual images or conversations, demands for intimate photographs, the non-consensual sharing of children’s images, and sexual threats or blackmail. The growing use of artificial intelligence has added another concern, as AI-generated sexual material and manipulated images can expose children to further exploitation.

Despite the scale of the problem, many children remain reluctant to seek assistance. The study found that more than half of those who experienced technology-facilitated sexual exploitation or abuse did not tell anyone about their experiences. None of the children surveyed reported the incidents through formal channels such as the police, helplines or social workers.

Fear of blame, humiliation and punishment can prevent victims from speaking out. Some children worry that their families may restrict their internet access or hold them responsible for the abuse. Boys may also face additional barriers because of social expectations surrounding masculinity and the stigma attached to discussing sexual victimisation.

These findings underline the need for confidential and accessible reporting mechanisms. Experts have stressed that children should be able to seek help without fear of punishment or further humiliation. Families, schools, law enforcement agencies and digital platforms also have important roles in identifying abuse and protecting victims.

The report further highlights gaps in Pakistan’s child-protection and justice systems. It points to weaknesses in the prevention of online abuse, the investigation of complaints and the support available to affected children. The study also identifies shortcomings in the legal framework, including the absence of a requirement for child forensic interviews to be systematically conducted by specially trained professionals.

Without appropriate training, the handling of cases can expose children to repeated questioning and further psychological distress. Strengthening investigative procedures and ensuring child-sensitive treatment are therefore important steps towards improving access to justice.

Online abuse is also part of a broader child-protection challenge shaped by poverty, displacement and interruptions to essential services. Economic hardship can increase vulnerability to exploitation, while conflict and natural disasters can disrupt education and weaken family support networks.

UNICEF estimates that weather-related disasters displaced 15.6 million children across South Asia between 2016 and 2022. In Bangladesh, climate-related events disrupted schooling for 35 million children in 2024. Although these figures concern different aspects of children’s vulnerability, they demonstrate the importance of maintaining protection and support services during emergencies.

For Pakistan, the findings highlight the need for a coordinated response that addresses both digital threats and the social conditions that leave children vulnerable. Stronger reporting systems, trained investigators, effective law enforcement and accessible support services are essential to preventing abuse and helping victims recover.

As artificial intelligence and digital platforms continue to evolve, child-protection measures will also need to adapt. The study calls attention to the importance of ensuring that children can use the internet for education and communication without being exposed to exploitation, intimidation or sexual abuse.