ISLAMABAD

Growing internet access among children has intensified concerns over online safety, prompting experts and policymakers to call for stronger digital literacy, parental awareness and cybersecurity safeguards to protect young users in Pakistan.

With children spending more time on smartphones, social media platforms and online gaming services, experts warn that they are increasingly exposed to cyberbullying, online predators, misinformation, identity theft and harmful content.

Digital safety advocates stress that online protection must become a shared responsibility between parents, schools, technology companies and government institutions. They argue that educating children about privacy, responsible internet use and online threats is as important as teaching them safety in the physical world.

Cybersecurity specialists recommend that parents regularly discuss online risks with their children, monitor digital activities, encourage safe browsing habits and teach youngsters never to share personal information with strangers online.

Studies on child online protection have highlighted growing concerns over cyberbullying, online grooming and exploitation, while emphasizing the need for stronger awareness campaigns and digital competence programmes for both children and parents.

Experts also caution that the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, social media algorithms and digital content platforms has created new challenges for families, making digital parenting an increasingly important aspect of modern child protection.

As Pakistan’s digital population continues to expand, stakeholders say protecting children online must become a national priority, requiring coordinated efforts to ensure that young users can benefit from the internet without being exposed to its growing risks.

The debate reflects a broader global challenge as governments, educators and technology companies seek to strike a balance between digital opportunities and child safety in an increasingly connected world.