Our Digital Future

Pakistan is rapidly preparing its young population for a digital future. Artificial intelligence, digital skills and online education are increasingly being presented as important pathways to employment and economic growth. But are we preparing children to use the digital world safely? Recent UNICEF research has made this question impossible to ignore. Released in September 2026, the research estimated that nearly one in 16 internet-using Pakistani children aged 12 to 17 experienced technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation or abuse during a single year. This represents approximately 1.5 million children. The research also found that many affected children did not tell anyone about their experiences. These findings should change how Pakistan understands digital literacy. Teaching a child how to use a computer or use AI is not enough. Children also need to understand privacy, responsible online behaviour, manipulation, reporting mechanisms and how to seek help when something online makes them uncomfortable or unsafe. The issue is particularly important because the government is simultaneously expanding its digital and AI ambitions. A recent government partnership with Google has focused on AI and digital skills as part of Pakistan's ambition to expand its digital economy. Digital development and child protection must therefore move together. Schools should introduce age-appropriate digital-safety education. Teachers should receive basic training to recognise online risks. Parents should also be given simple guidance rather than being expected to understand every new digital platform themselves. Digital development and child protection must therefore move together. There should also be clear and accessible reporting mechanisms for children. A child should not have to navigate complicated bureaucratic procedures to report an online threat or seek protection. If Pakistan wants its children to become confident participants in the digital economy, protecting them online must become part of digital policy. Mairaj Taj Kech