Tech Valley Pakistan, in partnership with Google, is encouraging parents and teachers to take a more active role in helping children develop healthy screen habits and stay safe online through its Digital Pasban initiative. The organisation has highlighted five questions parents can ask to better understand how their children use digital devices, what content they access, and how screen time influences their daily routines and wellbeing. The guidance aims to encourage families to approach technology use through open conversations and informed decisions, rather than focusing only on limiting access to devices. As smartphones, tablets, online videos, games and educational applications become part of children’s everyday lives, parents need practical ways to guide their children towards responsible digital behaviour while allowing them to benefit from online learning and entertainment.
Digital Pasban was introduced by Google in partnership with Tech Valley in August 2026 as a national initiative focused on online safety and digital literacy for Pakistani families. The programme aims to reach more than 200,000 households through Urdu-language resources, instructional videos, parental toolkits and hands-on training. It brings together education, media, technology and public-sector partners to help families understand online risks and use available safety features. Its resources cover tools and programmes including Google Family Link, YouTube safety and wellbeing controls, Be Internet Awesome and guidance on the responsible use of artificial intelligence. These resources are intended to help parents make informed decisions about app access, age-appropriate content, screen time and children’s interactions with online services. The initiative also recognises that digital safety requires guidance suited to children’s ages and activities, alongside consistent communication between parents and children.
The latest awareness message focuses on helping parents understand their children’s digital routines before deciding what boundaries may be appropriate. Questions about the amount of time children spend on devices, the content they watch, the applications they use and the effect of screen use on sleep, schoolwork and other activities can help families identify habits that may need attention. Parents can also discuss privacy, online interactions and what children should do when they encounter inappropriate material or suspicious messages. Establishing clear expectations together can help children understand why digital boundaries matter and encourage them to seek adult guidance when something online makes them uncomfortable. Teachers can reinforce these lessons by discussing responsible technology use in educational settings and helping students recognise the importance of privacy, respectful communication and critical thinking. Rather than treating screen time as a single measure of digital wellbeing, families can consider the purpose of device use, the suitability of content and whether online activities leave sufficient time for sleep, learning, exercise and face-to-face interaction.
Tech Valley is encouraging parents to download the Digital Pasban Parents Toolkit for practical guidance on building safer digital habits at home. The toolkit provides information to help families configure available safety features and establish a more balanced digital environment for children. The organisation is also inviting schools and other institutions to arrange Digital Pasban Town Halls, which can give parents and teachers an opportunity to discuss online safety and learn about practical tools together. Interested institutions can contact Tech Valley through its website, email hello@techvalley.pk or call 0333 5306444. The Parents Toolkit is also available through Google’s resource page. By combining family discussions with accessible resources and school-based engagement, Digital Pasban seeks to make online safety a shared responsibility and help children participate in digital spaces with greater awareness and confidence.
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