Raising Resilience: Community-Led Strategies for Child Protection in a Digital Age

Abstract

Children in Pakistan face multidimensional risks including abuse, neglect, exploitation, and digital threats, worsened by systemic gaps in legal frameworks and enforcement. This qualitative study explored transformative strategies for child protection, focusing on violations and challenges in the ICT sector. Using semi-structured interviews with 11 participants from education, law enforcement, and human rights sectors, data were analyzed through NVivo and thematic analysis. Findings highlighted key challenges such as limited resources, inadequate training, and social stigma. The study recommends annual training for educators and parents on child protection and non-violent discipline, enhanced awareness through materials and sessions, on-site counseling in schools, NGO partnerships, and robust policy development with community engagement and sustainable funding. The research will contribute to a deeper understanding of effective, community-driven strategies to safeguard children and promote safer, more resilient environments.