THE dark web has created one of the most dangerous spaces in terms of child abuse in modern times. Criminals use hidden networks to exploit children, trade abusive material, and escape detection.
This is both a cybercrime and a direct attack on childhood, dignity and human safety. As per global agencies, online child exploitation is rising rapidly, and research shows abuse can cause lifelong depression, anxiety and trust issues.
Some people believe that this problem only affects wealthy countries or highly technical spaces. That is not correct. Any country, including Pakistan, with growing internetaccessfacesrisk.
Poverty, silence, weak digital awareness, and poor enforcement make our children vulnerable even further. Most parents largely monitor school grades, but ignore digital behaviour. This only helps abusers.
The damage is borne by individual victims because these illegal networks normalise cruelty and create profitable criminal markets. When demand grows,more children are targeted. This makes prevention a collective responsibility for governments, social media platforms, teachers and families.
Open conversations about body safety, consent and reporting can reduce harm.
Children must know that unsafe contact, threats, or secret messages online should be reported instantly without fear or shame.
Strong laws, cyber-policing, due digital education and awareness are indispensable.
Tania Shahjahan Kamber Ali Khan