Kaspersky Warns of Rising Online Risks for Children in Pakistan
Kaspersky highlights growing online safety risks for children using social media and gaming platforms in Pakistan.
Kaspersky has identified growing cybersecurity risks for children in Pakistan as social media, online gaming and artificial intelligence become increasingly integrated into their digital lives.
The cybersecurity company analyzed anonymized Kaspersky Safe Kids data covering children’s activity in Pakistan and other countries across the META region during the first eight months of 2026. The analysis identified the most popular mobile applications and frequently visited online resources used by children.
YouTube Leads Children’s App Activity
YouTube ranked as the most popular mobile application among children in Pakistan, accounting for 31.2% of their mobile app activity during the period.
Instagram followed with 18.8%, while WhatsApp accounted for 17.4%. Facebook represented 10.8%, and TikTok ranked fifth at 5.7%.
The figures highlight the strong role of social and video platforms in children’s daily online activity.
| Platform | Share of children’s mobile app activity |
|---|---|
| YouTube | 31.2% |
| 18.8% | |
| 17.4% | |
| 10.8% | |
| TikTok | 5.7% |
Gaming Platforms Also Draw Children
Multiplayer games ranked among the 10 most visited online resources used by children in Pakistan.
Roblox was accessed by children on both smartphones and computers. Discord, a communication and community platform, also appeared among the online resources accessed through desktop computers.
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Kaspersky said gaming platforms can expose children to risks because they allow direct communication with other players. Some users may be complete strangers to the child.
Cybercriminals and other malicious actors can use deception and manipulation to gain a child’s trust. They may seek personal photographs, videos or other sensitive information. In some cases, they may attempt to arrange offline meetings or use shared material for blackmail.
Kaspersky identified online grooming as one of the major digital threats facing children, alongside phishing and other forms of online fraud.
AI Creates New Child Safety Concerns
Generative artificial intelligence is creating another layer of risk for young users.
Kaspersky highlighted the growing use of deepfakes in cyberbullying. Manipulated or fabricated images and videos can make it easier to misuse photographs and other content shared online.
Images, videos and personal information posted publicly may potentially be repurposed to create fake content. Such material can affect a child’s privacy and digital reputation.
The company therefore advised parents to help children develop safer online habits and think carefully before sharing personal content.
Parents Urged to Keep Communication Open
Andrey Sidenko, Head of Child Online Safety at Kaspersky, said basic safety principles should apply both online and offline.
He advised parents to encourage children not to communicate with strangers or share personal photographs and sensitive information. He also urged parents to create an environment where children feel comfortable reporting anything that makes them feel unsafe.
“Open communication at home is one of the most effective ways to help children navigate online risks,” Sidenko said.
Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa at Kaspersky, said parents and children should understand threats ranging from phishing and fraud to cyberbullying and online grooming.
He also highlighted emerging risks linked to generative AI. According to Jedidi, parents can help protect children by encouraging responsible sharing and using parental-control tools such as Kaspersky Safe Kids.
Data Covers First Eight Months of 2026
Kaspersky said its findings are based on anonymized Kaspersky Safe Kids data.
The analysis measured the amount of time children spent using applications on Android devices and desktop computers during the first eight months of 2026.
The findings underline the importance of combining parental guidance, digital awareness and appropriate safety tools as children spend more time on social media, gaming platforms and other online services.
