Cybercrime Awareness, Legal Literacy and Reporting Behavior among Generation-Z in Pakistan: Gendered Patterns and Policy Implications

Abstract

The rapid growth of digital technologies has exposed Generation-Z to increased risks of cybercrime, yet their awareness of legal protections and reporting mechanisms remains limited. This study examines knowledge of Pakistan’s cybercrime laws (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016), reporting behavior and gendered differences in awareness and fear among 350 Generation-Z social media users aged 18–26 years. Findings reveal that only 29.1% of respondents were familiar with PECA 2016 and only 17.4% knew how to file a complaint with the FIA Cybercrime Wing. Female respondents reported higher fear of victimization compared to males, despite slightly higher legal awareness. Awareness of cybercrime laws negatively correlated with fear, indicating that legal knowledge serves as a protective factor. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted digital literacy programs, gender-sensitive awareness campaigns and simplified reporting mechanisms to safeguard Generation-Z in Pakistan.

Keywords: Cybercrime awareness, Digital literacy, Generation-Z, Legal literacy, Pakistan, Reporting behavior

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18461299