Islamabad:
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has advised parents to introduce clear screen time limits for children, warning that excessive and unsupervised internet usage poses growing risks to minors in Pakistan’s expanding digital landscape.
In a public advisory, the telecom regulator said safeguarding children online is a shared responsibility between families, educational institutions, and regulatory authorities as concerns mount over children’s exposure to harmful digital content and excessive screen engagement.
Concerns Over Digital Overexposure
The PTA highlighted that unmanaged screen time can negatively impact children’s academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. Officials stressed the need for parents to maintain a healthy balance between digital learning, recreational activities, and family interaction.
The authority also urged parents to remain actively involved in monitoring children’s internet use and social media activity to ensure responsible and safe digital behaviour.
Promoting Digital Awareness Among Children
The regulator emphasised the importance of educating children about online risks, including exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, privacy threats, and online exploitation. Parents were encouraged to engage in open conversations with children about safe internet practices and responsible social media usage.
Parental Control Tools Recommended
To strengthen online safety, the PTA recommended that families use parental control software and content filtering tools to restrict access to harmful material. The authority said it has published a list of approved parental control applications on its official website to assist parents in safeguarding children’s digital activities.
Growing Focus on Child Online Safety
Digital safety experts say Pakistan’s rapidly increasing internet penetration and smartphone adoption have created new opportunities for education and connectivity, but have also introduced risks for younger users. Analysts note that parental supervision and digital literacy awareness are critical to ensuring safe internet access for children.
The PTA said it will continue to promote awareness campaigns and collaborate with stakeholders to improve online child protection measures across the country.
