UNICEF report says 1.5 million Pakistani children faced online sexual abuse
A UNICEF report and survivor accounts in Pakistan detail extensive online sexual abuse affecting an estimated 1.5 million children in one year, with around 85 percent of perpetrators known to victims aged 12–17. The report found about 71 percent of victims did not tell anyone and no child reported abuse through formal channels like police or helplines. About 44 percent of reported abuse occurred entirely online, with Snapchat and WhatsApp commonly cited. Provincial proposals to bar under-16s from social media have met opposition, while experts say existing laws are not being implemented and technology is enabling grooming, blackmail and commercialisation of abuse.
An estimated 1.5 million Pakistani children experienced online sexual abuse in one year.
Context
A UN children's agency published a report showing high rates of online sexual abuse in Pakistan. Provincial authorities proposed a ban on social media for under-16s and experts warned laws are not implemented. Next steps could include…
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