ISLAMABAD: A survey examining the digital interests and online activity of children across Kaspersky’s Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region, including Pakistan, has highlighted cybersecurity threats young users may encounter on digital platforms, including multiplayer online games, as well as emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI).

According to Kaspersky’s experts, YouTube with 31.2 per cent (pc), was the most popular mobile application (app) among children in Pakistan during the first eight months of 2026, followed by Instagram with 18.8pc and WhatsApp with 17.4pc. Facebook accounted for 10.8pc, while TikTok ranked fifth with 5.7pc.

Multiplayer games featured among the 10 most visited online resources by children in Pakistan. Popular titles such as Roblox, accessed by children on both smartphones and computers; and Discord, a communication and community platform, were among the resources used by children on desktop devices in Pakistan.

Kaspersky is an international cybersecurity company with head office in Geneva (Switzerland).

Experts noted that children may encounter malicious actors across a wide range of online platforms, including gaming services. Multiplayer games can pose particular risks as they enable direct communication with other players, including people the children may have never met in real life.

“In some cases, these interactions can put children and their families at risk. Malicious actors use deception, manipulation and psychological pressure to gain a child’s trust, obtain personal photos or videos, arrange offline meetings, or subsequently use the material for blackmail. They may also attempt to involve children in harmful or illegal activities. This form of exploitation, known as online grooming, remains one of the key digital threats to children, alongside phishing,” says the survey.

According to the report, the development of generative AI is also creating new challenges for children’s online safety. One emerging concern is the use of deep fakes — manipulated or fabricated images and videos — in cyberbullying.

“The same basic safety rules that protect children offline apply online. Parents should encourage children not to interact with strangers, share personal photos or sensitive information, or keep online conversations secret. Just as importantly, children should know they can always turn to a trusted adult if something makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Open communication at home is one of the most effective ways to help children navigate online risks,” said Andrey Sidenko, Head of Child Online Safety at the company.

“Parents and children should understand the most common threats, from fraud, phishing and cyberbullying to online grooming, while also staying alert to emerging risks associated with generative AI. Content shared publicly can be repurposed to create fake images or videos, potentially affecting a child’s privacy and digital reputation. Help children develop good digital habits, think carefully about what they share online and use tools such as parental control,” said Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2026