Examining Parents’ Awareness About Children's Accidental Exposure to Online Indecent Content: A Micro-Level Qualitative Study in Rawalpindi City

Internet usage among Pakistani children is increasing. Despite the internet being a vital source providing different, it also contains some concerns regarding their safety, physical and psychological growth, and well-being. Aims: This article also analyzed the parents’ awareness regarding accidental exposure to indecent online content among Pakistani children and its potential effects. Methods: The researchers applied the qualitative interpretative method and gathered data from n= 26 individuals having children under eighteen years of age. Findings: Results showed that children prefer using the internet for educational and entertainment purposes. Participants also expressed their understanding of accidental exposure to online pornographic content among children. However, in questions about the parents' potential reaction to children's accidental exposure to indecent online content, most of the parents responded that they would prefer to remain silent over the issue or tell the children to forget. Another primary reaction would be educating the children about the inappropriateness of the content. Finally, parents indicated their understanding of the physical and psychological consequences of accidental exposure to online pornographic content among children, i.e., sexual violence, guilt, shame, isolation, and others.