The National Cyber Emergency Response Team (National CERT) has initiated a nationwide awareness campaign to safeguard children from the growing dangers associated with online gaming. The campaign aims to protect young players from scams, hacking attempts, financial fraud, and exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.
Officials highlighted that online gaming, though popular among children, often extends beyond mere entertainment and carries hidden risks. Many games are reported to negatively affect children’s behavior by promoting violence, abusive language, vulgarity, and immoral values. Additionally, unauthorized financial transactions made by children during gameplay have left parents facing unexpected financial losses and distress.
According to the National CERT, hackers and scammers frequently exploit young players by offering free coins, prizes, or game upgrades, while using fake accounts to build trust and deceive children. This has raised serious concerns about online safety in households across Pakistan.
Guidelines for Parents:
To help protect children, the National CERT has issued the following safety guidelines:
- Use parental monitoring tools for online gaming.
- Train children not to share personal or financial details with strangers.
- Educate them about responsible gaming and digital safety.
- Report suspicious or malicious activities to relevant authorities without delay.
Officials emphasized that neglecting the risks of online gaming could lead to long-term harmful consequences for children. They stressed that ensuring digital safety is a shared responsibility of parents, schools, and communities, who must collectively work to create a secure online environment.
The campaign underscores the importance of awareness and preventive measures, urging families to take proactive steps in guiding their children toward safe and responsible digital habits.
