Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said that protecting children from online harms is a shared responsibility of the government, technology companies, parents, teachers and society.
Addressing a summit, the minister said technology companies must take effective steps to ensure the safety of children on digital platforms. She said global technology firms, including Meta, should play a more active role in awareness campaigns related to online safety.
Shaza Fatima said awareness about children’s online protection should not remain confined to major cities or social media. She stressed that the message must reach every part of the country, including rural and remote areas of Pakistan.
The federal minister said parents, teachers and children need to be made aware of online risks. She added that children must be guided on how to understand online dangers and how to seek help when needed.
She said the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is running awareness campaigns on children’s online protection. However, she noted that digital safety measures can only be effective when people know about them and understand how to use them.
Shaza Fatima said it is essential to create an environment where children can speak openly about online problems without hesitation. She added that guidance from parents and teachers is necessary to protect children from possible harms on the internet.
The minister said the conversation on children’s online safety must reach every classroom, every teacher and every parent. She emphasised the need to promote awareness, practical measures and open dialogue to safeguard children online.
She said building a safe digital environment for young people, parents and teachers is a pressing need of the time. The minister added that the government, technology companies and society will have to work together for the online protection of children.
