LAHORE: Online safety is a growing concern for families in Pakistan as internet penetration increases and children access digital platforms at increasingly younger ages.
Kaspersky Lab’s research highlights changes in children’s online behavior, with growing interest in artificial intelligence tools alongside social media, streaming, sports and gaming platforms. The findings highlight the importance of parents understanding what interests their children online, including their searches, preferred platforms and emerging digital trends.
The study was conducted based on anonymized global and Pakistan-specific data from Kaspersky Safe Kids covering January and February 2026 and found a strong interest in AI tools among children. AI-related apps and services account for about a quarter of all Google searches, reflecting the growing engagement with AI-driven platforms.
Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Character, etc.[dot]AI, Microsoft Copilot, Grok, and DeepSeek rank among the most searched services, demonstrating the increasing integration of AI into children’s daily digital experiences in Pakistan.
Communication-related searches ranked second overall, primarily driven by platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, followed by video streaming services led by YouTube and Netflix.
YouTube remains the leading content platform for children, accounting for nearly a third of total app usage by children in Pakistan, which is consistent with broader global trends. Instagram and WhatsApp were the second and third most popular applications in the country.
Music dominated search trends on YouTube, fueled by interest in comics and online content creators. Sports content also attracted a lot of attention, reflecting children’s interest in major sporting events.
To improve children’s digital safety and encourage healthier online habits, Kaspersky recommended that parents maintain open communication with their children about online risks and establish clear safety guidelines. The company also advised the use of reliable security solutions to reduce the risk of malicious downloads and suggested digital parenting applications to manage screen time, block inappropriate content and monitor children’s online activities.
