The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has urged parents to closely monitor their children’s use of smartphones, social media and other digital devices, warning that greater supervision is needed to protect young users from growing online risks.
The telecom regulator advised parents to take practical measures against scams, inappropriate content, harmful websites and other potential threats that children may encounter while using the internet.
The PTA recommended that parents keep a close watch on their children’s digital activities and establish healthy limits on daily screen time. The authority said children should maintain a proper balance between education, entertainment, rest and family activities rather than spending excessive time on digital devices.
It also advised parents to encourage children to use smartphones, tablets and laptops under adult supervision. According to the guidance, devices should preferably be used in shared areas of the home instead of being kept in private spaces where parental oversight may be limited.
The authority also called on parents to improve their own understanding of social media platforms, websites and other digital services.
PTA said greater digital awareness among parents could help them guide children toward safer and more responsible internet use. Understanding how different platforms operate can also enable parents to identify potential threats and respond to online problems more effectively.
The PTA encouraged parents to make greater use of parental controls, content filters and other safety features already available on many digital devices and online platforms.
Parents were advised to activate age-appropriate settings and restrict children’s access to inappropriate or potentially dangerous material while ensuring they can continue to use educational and recreational content.
The guidance comes amid growing concern in Pakistan over children’s access to social media and the potential risks associated with unsupervised internet use.
PTA Clarifies Its Authority Over Children’s Social Media Access
The issue has also gained attention at the legal and policy level. In a response submitted to the Islamabad High Court on October 1, the PTA stated that it does not have the legal authority under its existing jurisdiction to impose mandatory age verification or restrict social media access for children below the age of 16.
The authority had issued similar guidance on July 30, urging parents to monitor their children’s social media use and make greater use of parental controls and age-appropriate content filters.
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The latest advice reinforces the PTA’s position that parental supervision, digital awareness and responsible use of available safety tools remain important safeguards for children navigating the online world.
