ISLAMABAD: The growing use of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) has exposed children and young people to new digital risks, requiring Parliament, parents, the media and relevant institutions to play their respective roles in addressing these emerging challenges, speakers said.

They were speaking at a dialogue titled “Children’s Rights in the Age of Social Media”, organised in collaboration with the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Workers (PFUJ-W) and the National Press Club.

Former Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of Child Afshan Tehsin said social media and artificial intelligence were affecting children’s future, social lives and reputations, while incidents of online harassment, exposure to inappropriate content and misuse of AI were a matter of concern.

She said children should not be kept away from technology; instead, they should be taught how to use it safely and responsibly. Parents should communicate with their children, listen to their concerns and educate them about potential online risks.

Former Director News of the Associated Press of Pakistan Hanif Sabir said journalists covering children’s rights issues should rely on credible statistics and research reports. Referring to various studies on the situation of children in Pakistan and the digital risks they face, he said the nature of threats to children was changing with the rapid expansion of digital technology, making it necessary to regularly review existing laws and policies.

He stressed that journalistic ethics must be strictly observed while reporting on sensitive issues involving children and called for greater focus on the training of journalists to ensure the protection of children’s identity, dignity and privacy.

Dr. Sobia Adnan said parents should spare at least a few minutes every day to spend meaningful time with their children. She advised parents to sit with their children during breakfast, meals or before bedtime, communicate with them and help them understand the difference between right and wrong.

She said providing children with facilities was not enough, as they also needed time, attention and guidance. Parents should openly discuss mobile phone and social media use with their children. Communication between fathers and sons was also important so that children could share their problems without fear.

Dr. Sobia Adnan also discussed behavioural and developmental issues, explaining selective mutism, a condition in which some children do not speak in certain situations or in front of certain people despite having the ability to speak. She urged parents not to ignore significant changes in their children’s behaviour and to seek professional help when necessary.

Clinical psychology expert Muqaddas Chaudhry stressed the need to educate children about the safe use of the online world in view of rapidly changing social media trends. She urged parents to listen to their children’s concerns and maintain open communication with them.

President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists Workers Dr. Saadia Kamal said the media and all relevant stakeholders would have to work together to protect children’s rights and ensure their safety online. She said developing an effective strategy to address the challenges arising from social media and the changing demands of the digital age was a pressing need.:::