Study finds 1.5 million Pakistani children face on...

Summary

• 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.
• 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 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.

AI Generated Summary

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.