National Cyber Emergency Response Team of Pakistan actively participated in the Training of Trainers on Digital Literacy and Cyber Safety organized by PTA in collaboration with TikTok and Shaoor Foundation for Education and Awareness at PTA Headquarters. The initiative was conducted under the Safe Online Future for Teens SOFT program and brought together educators, trainers, and key stakeholders to strengthen digital literacy frameworks and promote safer online practices for adolescents across Pakistan.
The program was designed to equip trainers with the knowledge and tools required to guide young users toward responsible digital engagement in an environment where online platforms, artificial intelligence tools, and social media applications are increasingly shaping daily life. Representing National CERT, Mr. Syed Imran Haider, Assistant Director Trainings, delivered a detailed session on Responsible AI Adoption and Robust Cybersecurity Practices. His address focused on the importance of secure digital behavior, structured risk assessment, and informed adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. He emphasized that as AI powered tools become more accessible to students and young users, it is essential to integrate cybersecurity principles into digital learning environments to reduce exposure to potential threats and misuse. The session highlighted the value of proactive cybersecurity frameworks that prioritize prevention, awareness, and resilience rather than reactive measures.
The Training of Trainers program featured comprehensive engagements aimed at strengthening participants’ understanding of real world digital challenges. Sessions included baseline assessments examining digital usage patterns and lived experiences of adolescents, enabling trainers to better understand behavioral trends and vulnerabilities. Participants engaged in experiential learning exercises based on simulated cyber threat scenarios, which provided practical insights into identifying risks and responding effectively. Guided group discussions explored emerging digital risks, evolving social media usage trends among Pakistani youth, and commonly encountered online threats. Key areas of focus included deepfakes, misinformation, and online radicalization, along with the broader consequences of cyber harm. Experts at the event discussed the psychosocial, emotional, and physical effects that online exploitation, harassment, and digital manipulation can have on children and teenagers. These conversations reinforced the importance of adopting a child centered approach to digital safety that balances technological safeguards with awareness and responsible usage education.
Through its participation in the SOFT initiative, National CERT reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national cyber resilience through capacity building and structured collaboration. By engaging with educators and institutional stakeholders, the organization continues to promote awareness initiatives that empower trainers to act as multipliers of digital safety knowledge within their respective communities. The collaboration between PTA, TikTok, Shaoor Foundation for Education and Awareness, and National CERT reflects a coordinated effort to create safer digital environments for young users across Pakistan. As digital ecosystems expand and technological tools evolve, initiatives focused on education, awareness, and responsible innovation remain central to fostering a secure and inclusive online space for the country’s youth.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
