Punjab Assembly Approves Resolution to Ban Social Media Use for Children Under 16
Resolution calls for measures to protect children’s physical, mental and moral development, citing harmful online content as a major concern
Lahore: The Punjab Assembly has passed a resolution calling for a ban on social media use by children under the age of 16, with the move aimed at protecting minors from the potential harmful effects of online platforms.
The resolution was presented by government lawmaker Sarah Ahmed, who stressed the need to safeguard children from inappropriate content and other risks associated with social media.
The resolution stated that protecting the physical, mental and moral development of children is the responsibility of the state. It noted that inappropriate material available on social media can expose children to psychological stress and other potential dangers.
Earlier, proposals had also been raised in the Punjab Assembly to restrict social media accounts of children under 16, including calls for parental consent and an effective age-verification mechanism.
The proposed measures also include strengthening the role of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in verifying users’ ages and preventing children from accessing harmful online content.
The resolution highlighted several risks faced by children in the digital environment, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, psychological pressure and other online threats.
Following the approval of the resolution, debate over restricting social media access for minors and creating a safer digital environment for children is expected to gain further attention.
However, implementing such restrictions would require a clear legal framework, effective age-verification mechanisms and coordination between provincial and federal authorities.
Experts and officials have also emphasised that alongside regulatory measures, parents, teachers and children should be provided with greater digital safety awareness and guidance on responsible internet use.
The Punjab Assembly’s move reflects growing concerns over children’s exposure to harmful online content and the need for stronger safeguards to protect minors in the digital age.
