Detailed Rewritten Version: In a groundbreaking collaboration, Zindagi Trust and Meta have partnered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Federal Investigation Authority (FIA), and the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) to initiate a comprehensive digital campaign titled “Cultivating Digital Competence of Youth and Parents.” The launch coincided with National Children’s Day in Pakistan, as announced in a recent PTA news release.
Shehzad Roy, the founder of Zindagi Trust, emphasized the campaign’s primary objective: sparking conversations and educating both young people and their parents on the crucial aspects of online safety. The initiative aims to address concerns such as online bullying, dissemination of false information, hate speech, and spam.
The PTA underscored the significance of discussions surrounding online safety, emphasizing the protection of children on the internet, meeting their educational needs, and fostering positive digital interactions. The campaign aligns with the PTA’s core objectives, reminding young people that internet access comes with a responsibility not only for their safety but also for the well-being of others in the online sphere.
The collaboration between Zindagi Trust and Meta is hailed as a commendable initiative, aiming to create a secure online environment where young people can cultivate positive relationships. The PTA acknowledges the potential of this campaign to significantly enhance the overall online safety of youth.
Imran Haider, Incharge of the Unit To Counter Online Child Abuse at FIA’s Cybercrime Wing, stressed the vital role of education and awareness in protecting children from abuse in the digital age. Recognizing the abundance of electronic devices surrounding children today, Haider emphasized the need for empowering families and children to identify and prevent online child abuse.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Chairperson of NCRC, expressed hope that the campaign would equip young people in Pakistan with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
The launch of the campaign included a roundtable discussion highlighting the importance of protecting young people in the digital age and fostering informed individuals regarding cybercrime. Sarim Aziz, Meta’s Director of Public Policy for South and Central Asia, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety of young people online. Aziz stated that Meta will continue to collaborate with stakeholders, industry safety partners, and law enforcement to uphold online safety.
As part of the collaborative digital campaign, students will share video messages discussing safety tools such as Privacy Check Up, Locked Profiles, Hidden Words, Supervision Tools, and managing false information. This initiative seeks to create a safer online environment and empower the youth with the knowledge needed to navigate the digital landscape responsibly.
