KABUL (Pajhwok): A new family media platform founded by Afghan journalist Khushnood Nabizada has been launched in Virginia, the United States, to help parents, caregivers and educators navigate the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI), social media and digital technology in children’s lives.
3A1Z Stories marked its launch on Sunday with an online discussion on how parents and educators are responding to these challenges.
The platform aims to publish family experiences, expert interviews, practical guides and news to help families understand the opportunities and risks associated with digital technology.
Nabizada, an Afghan journalist and father of four living in the United States, founded the platform after discussions with other parents about balancing screen time and raising children in the digital age.
During the launch, he described the contrast between his childhood in Afghanistan and the technology-centred environment in which his children are growing up in the United States.
“How does a father who grew up without electricity raise children who are growing up with artificial intelligence?” Nabizada asked. “In one generation, my family went from radio to Roblox.”
The contrast reflects challenges faced by many Afghan, immigrant and refugee parents whose children are growing up in cultural and technological environments different from those in which they were raised.
Families increasingly face decisions about smartphones, screen time, online safety, social media use and the role of AI in schoolwork.
Nabizada said the platform would provide accessible, practical information to help families make informed decisions about technology. Its content is guided by four pillars: Awareness, Affection, Agency and Zenith.
He said he draws on extensive technical research and breaks it down into information that families can apply in their daily lives. Although discussions about digital safety in his own household were initially challenging, he said he had seen positive results over time.
“Kids often know more than us about the apps, and it’s hard for us to keep up with them and learn everything. But we can stay involved with building trust and creating a good relationship with our children,” he said.
Nabizada is currently the platform’s main contributor, publishing once a week. He hopes to attract volunteers and establish partnerships with schools in the future.
sa
