The resolution calls for legislation and age-verification measures to protect children from cyberbullying, exploitation and harmful online content.
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: The Punjab Assembly has passed a resolution seeking effective legal restrictions on social media use by children under 16, amid concerns over cyberbullying, online exploitation, inappropriate content and other risks facing minors.
The resolution calls for legislation and a coordinated mechanism involving federal and provincial institutions to strengthen online protection for children.
Resolution seeks stronger restrictions
The resolution was moved by Punjab Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Chairperson and MPA Sarah Ahmed.
It seeks effective legislation to protect children under 16 and establish safeguards for their use of social media platforms. The resolution also calls for measures addressing cyber harassment, online sexual exploitation and exposure to inappropriate content.
The Punjab Assembly’s action is a recommendation for stronger regulation rather than an immediate province-wide shutdown of social media platforms for minors.
Age verification proposed
A key element of the resolution is the introduction of an effective age-verification mechanism for social media users.
The proposal calls for greater coordination with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to ensure that platforms can identify underage users and comply with any future legal restrictions.
The move comes amid a growing international debate over whether social media companies should be required to verify users’ ages and restrict access for younger children.
Child safety concerns
The resolution highlights concerns that unrestricted social media use can expose children to cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, harmful content and psychological distress.
It argues that protecting children’s physical, mental and psychological well-being is a responsibility of the state.
The proposal also seeks a coordinated approach involving government institutions and social media companies to create a safer digital environment for minors.
Pakistan’s wider debate over under-16 social media access
The Punjab Assembly’s decision comes shortly after the Islamabad High Court sought responses from the federal government and regulatory bodies on a separate petition seeking restrictions on social media use by children under 16.
The IHC issued notices to the Ministry of Information Technology, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Law, PTA and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority.
The developments indicate that regulation of children’s social media access is becoming an increasingly prominent policy and legal issue in Pakistan.
Global trend toward age restrictions
Several countries have been considering or introducing tighter rules for children’s social media use.
Australia has implemented restrictions on social media access for under-16s, while France and other jurisdictions have also considered age-based measures. The global debate has focused on online safety, harmful content, cyberbullying and the potential effects of excessive social media use on young people.
Resolution is not yet a federal ban
The Punjab Assembly’s resolution does not itself establish a nationwide legal ban on social media for children under 16.
Because telecommunications and internet regulation largely fall within the federal domain, implementing such restrictions would require further action by the federal government and relevant regulators. Dawn also reported that the resolution would serve as a recommendation to the federal government.
