Smartphones, tablets top youngsters’ wish list

LAHORE: Children left alone with their devices are not always aware of how to stay safe online, raising concerns about digital security and responsible internet use.

According to a Kaspersky survey, 89 per cent of parents use gadgets to entertain or occupy their children while travelling or to free up time for themselves. Moreover, more than half (52 per cent) of children in the META region receive their first personal device -- a smartphone or tablet -- at an early age, between three and seven years old. However, nearly a quarter of respondents in the region (22 per cent) have not discussed internet safety rules with their children. This means that many children, who are frequently left alone with their devices, may not fully understand how to navigate the online world safely.

Children themselves acknowledge the significance of gadgets in their lives. According to the survey, 78 per cent of children in the META region say they cannot live without their devices. Smartphones, tablets and game consoles rank highest among the most desired devices, highlighting the urgent need for children to be educated on online threats and safe digital practices.

To prevent children from downloading malicious files or encountering security risks, experts recommend installing a trusted security solution on their devices.

Kaspersky believes that parents can create a safer online environment by staying informed about emerging threats and actively monitoring their children’s digital activities. Open communication about potential online risks and enforcing clear guidelines are essential to ensuring children’s safety.

Applying parental controls is not a sign of distrust but a sensible precaution. It allows parents to manage which websites their children visit and which games they play, restrict file downloads, block access to inappropriate content, and prevent the disclosure of confidential information.