The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has urged parents to closely monitor how their children use mobile phones, tablets and laptops. The advice aims to protect young users from online risks. The authority also asked families to limit daily screen time. Moreover, it wants children to keep a healthy balance between education, entertainment, rest and family activities.

According to the guidelines, children should preferably use digital devices under adult supervision. Parents should also keep devices in shared areas of the home. Unsupervised use, the authority suggested, makes it harder to spot problems early.

The PTA also asked parents to improve their own understanding of digital platforms. As a result, they can guide children on safe and responsible use of social media and other online services. Furthermore, the authority encouraged parental control software, content filters and other safety features. These tools can block inappropriate material, harmful websites and potentially dangerous content. It recommended age-appropriate settings, while still allowing children to reach useful educational and recreational content.

The guidance comes as the debate over children’s access to social media continues in Pakistan. In its response to the Islamabad High Court on October 1, the PTA said it lacks the legal authority to impose mandatory age verification. It also said it cannot restrict social media access for children below 16 years under its existing jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, the authority had issued similar advice on July 30. That earlier message asked parents to monitor social media use and make greater use of parental controls. The PTA has maintained that supervision, digital awareness and safety tools protect children while letting them benefit from the internet. Therefore, the latest PTA parental guidance puts the responsibility firmly on households.