London, 18 October 2026 (Ghufran): The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that approximately 1.5 million children in Pakistan experienced online sexual abuse over the course of a year, urging parents to closely monitor children’s digital activities and ensure safer internet use. The organisation warned against allowing children unrestricted access to online platforms and stressed the importance of effective parental supervision. According to UNICEF, 57 percent of affected children did not disclose their experiences because of shame, fear of their families’ reactions and concerns about social stigma. The organisation also highlighted the growing threat of artificial intelligence being used to create fake images and videos of children. A UNICEF research report found that social media accounted for 44 percent of reported online harassment incidents, while in 85 percent of the cases described by affected children, the alleged perpetrator was someone they knew. The report identified the sending of inappropriate images and messages to children, requests for private photographs, the distribution of images and blackmail as major forms of online sexual abuse. UNICEF called for addressing gaps in Pakistan’s legal framework, improving investigations and strengthening child protection mechanisms. It also emphasised the need to establish safe and accessible reporting channels so that children can report abuse without fear and receive appropriate protection and support.