The recent incident of a teenager killing his parents in Lower Dir over a dispute related to TikTok has sent shockwaves across Pakistan. The incident underscores the need for parents, educators, and policymakers to address the negative impact of social media and online gaming on young minds. As a journalist and social media personality, I would like to share my perspective on this incident and its broader implications for society.
According to reports, the initial argument between Husnain and his father started over making TikTok videos in the street. The father was concerned about the impact of these videos on the family’s reputation and may have reprimanded his son. This incident escalated, leading to a tragic outcome that no one could have foreseen.
Yousaf Jan told that during my interview with Husnain, he mentioned that he had been playing PUBG for almost two to three years and favored the use of M4, AKM, and M24 rifles in the game. His case is not an isolated one, as millions of young people worldwide spend countless hours playing online games such as PUBG. However, the incident raises questions about the role of parents and guardians in regulating their children’s access to online gaming and social media. Yousaf Jan further added as a society, we need to recognize that social media and online gaming have both positive and negative aspects. While these platforms offer opportunities for entertainment, social interaction, and creativity, they can also lead to addiction, cyberbullying, and other harmful behavior. We must strike a balance between allowing children to enjoy these platforms and protecting them from the dangers.
Husnain himself highlighted that the issue isn’t related to PUBG at all, his father told him not to play it and he stopped playing it. The issue was due to TikTok and his father has beaten him, he seems not in a favor of his father. Yousaf Jan also pointed to him why he shot his mother if the issue was with his father, he said she was hit by mistake.
Moreover, this incident highlights the need for greater regulation of online gaming and social media platforms. Governments, game developers, and social media companies must take responsibility for ensuring that their platforms do not contribute to harmful behavior among young people. This can include measures such as age restrictions, content moderation, and support for parents and guardians. It is also essential to recognize the role of parents and educators in guiding children’s behavior online. They need to educate children about the dangers of excessive gaming, social media, and online activities, as well as the importance of managing their emotions and behavior. Parents should have open and honest communication with their children, especially regarding their online activities.
In conclusion, the incident involving Husnain is a tragic reminder of the dangers of unregulated access to social media and online gaming. It is imperative that parents, educators, policymakers, and the broader community work together to ensure that young people use technology responsibly. We must provide them with the necessary guidance, education, and support to navigate the online world safely. Only then can we prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.