The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued an important advisory urging parents to actively monitor the online activities of their children to ensure their digital safety.
According to the PTA, protecting children in the online environment is a shared responsibility of parents and society. With the rapid growth of internet usage among young children, the authority has stressed the need for greater parental involvement in managing online behavior.
In its advisory, the PTA recommended that parents use parental control software and content filtering tools to protect children from harmful, inappropriate, or age-inappropriate content.
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These tools can help restrict access to unsafe websites, monitor screen usage, and ensure a safer digital experience for minors.
The PTA highlighted growing concerns over unsafe and excessive internet use among children, noting that prolonged screen exposure can negatively affect mental health, learning habits, and social development.
The authority warned that without proper supervision, children may be exposed to online risks such as harmful content, cyberbullying, and excessive gaming or social media usage.
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To address these challenges, the PTA urged parents to set clear rules and limits on screen time. It emphasized that children should maintain a healthy balance between online activities, education, recreational pursuits, and family interaction.
Parents were advised to encourage offline activities such as reading, sports, and social engagement to support overall development.
The advisory also stressed the importance of open communication between parents and children regarding internet use.
The PTA encouraged parents to educate children about online safety, responsible digital behavior, and the potential risks associated with unsupervised internet access.
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Officials noted that while technology offers educational and entertainment benefits, uncontrolled usage can lead to dependency and exposure to harmful influences. Therefore, active parental guidance and supervision remain essential.
The PTA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a safer digital environment and called on parents to take proactive steps in safeguarding children online.
The authority said effective monitoring and responsible internet use can help ensure that digital platforms contribute positively to children’s growth and well-being.
