Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia, says nearly 1.2 million child internet users in Pakistan have experienced sexual abuse or exploitation through digital technologies.

Wijesekera warned on Monday, September 28 (Mizan 6) that this threat exists across South and Southeast Asia, and that ensuring children’s safety cannot be the responsibility of children alone.

According to a UNICEF report, in 21 countries, about 20 million children aged 12 to 17 experienced online sexual abuse or exploitation over the past year.

The report adds that fewer than one percent of these cases were reported to police, social workers, or helplines, and more than 40 percent of children did not share the matter with anyone.

UNICEF says affected children face a higher risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and anxiety, and these experiences can have long-term consequences for their education, relationships, and daily lives.