Islamabad: With rapidly increasing internet penetration and early access to digital devices in Pakistan, children’s online safety has become a growing concern for families, according to a new report by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.
The study highlights a significant shift in children’s digital behaviour, showing rising interest in artificial intelligence tools alongside social media, streaming platforms, sports, and gaming. It emphasizes the need for parents to better understand children’s online activity, including the platforms they use, their search habits, and emerging digital trends shaping their behaviour.
Based on anonymized global and Pakistan-specific data from Kaspersky Safe Kids, covering January and February 2026, the report reveals a strong curiosity among children regarding AI-powered tools. Applications such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Character.AI, Microsoft Copilot, Grok, and DeepSeek are among the most frequently used platforms, reflecting the growing integration of AI into everyday digital experiences.
According to Kaspersky, AI-related queries account for nearly one-quarter of all Google searches made by children, indicating a sharp rise in engagement with emerging technologies.
Anna Larkina, web content analysis expert at Kaspersky, said that children are increasingly comfortable using AI tools and may even be more familiar with them than their parents. She advised that instead of restricting access, parents should guide children in understanding the strengths and limitations of AI while setting healthy usage boundaries. She also highlighted the role of parental control tools like Kaspersky Safe Kids in supporting safer digital experiences.
The report further shows that communication-based platforms remain highly popular among children, with Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest leading social engagement trends. Video streaming platforms, particularly YouTube and Netflix, continue to dominate entertainment consumption.
YouTube remains the most widely used platform among children, accounting for nearly one-third of total app usage time in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Instagram and WhatsApp rank as the second and third most popular applications respectively, reflecting their strong influence on communication and content consumption habits.
The study also notes that music-related searches dominate YouTube trends, with strong interest in K-pop, cartoons, and content creators. Sports content also remains a key area of interest among children, reflecting their engagement with global sporting events.
Kaspersky recommends that parents maintain open communication with children about online risks, set clear digital boundaries, and use security solutions such as Kaspersky Premium to protect against malicious content. It also suggests using parental control tools like Safe Kids to manage screen time, filter inappropriate content, and monitor online activity for improved safety.
