Pakistan, Oct. 18 -- Around 1.5 million Pakistani children experienced online sexual abuse within a year, according to UNICEF. The organisation has urged parents to monitor children's internet use and ensure safer access to digital platforms. It also called for stronger child protection measures and better ways to report abuse.

UNICEF reported that 57% of affected children did not disclose their experiences. Many feared shame, social stigma or negative reactions from their families. The organisation warned that these concerns could prevent victims from seeking help and allow abuse to continue.

The report identified social media as a major source of online harassment, accounting for 44% of reported incidents. In 85% of cases described by...