Meher Bukhari’s educational video targeted by trolls

Pakistani journalist and television anchor Meher Bukhari has once again found herself at the centre of social-media attention, but this time the discussion surrounding her educational video took an unexpected turn.

The veteran anchor recently shared her thoughts on an important issue concerning children and social media. With growing concerns about children’s exposure to inappropriate content and online influences, Meher spoke about parenting and suggested that social media should potentially be restricted for children under the age of 16.

Rather than focusing on the message behind the video, however, some social-media users chose to comment on Meher’s appearance. According to the report, the journalist recorded the video without heavy makeup or filters after completing her work commitments. Some trolls subsequently criticized her natural appearance instead of discussing the issue she was raising.

The comments quickly became another example of how women on social media can face criticism regardless of what they are trying to communicate. While Meher was attempting to raise awareness about parenting and children’s online exposure, some users shifted the conversation toward her looks.

Not everyone agreed with the negative comments. Other social-media users came to Meher’s defence and criticized those who focused on her appearance. One commenter argued that judging a woman for appearing naturally says more about the person making the criticism than it does about the woman being targeted.

Meher’s video also highlights a broader conversation taking place among parents about children’s relationship with social media. Young users increasingly spend significant amounts of time on digital platforms, making questions about age limits, parental supervision and exposure to inappropriate material increasingly relevant.

As a mother herself, Meher has previously spoken about parenting and her experiences raising her children. Her latest video appeared to come from that perspective, with the journalist using her platform to discuss an issue she considers important for families.

The reaction to the video demonstrates the double standards women frequently encounter online. A woman can share an opinion on a serious social issue, yet the conversation can quickly become focused on her clothing, makeup, appearance or personal choices.

For Meher, the criticism did not completely overshadow the original purpose of her message. Her video succeeded in starting a conversation about children, social media and responsible parenting, even if some of the online discussion moved in an entirely different direction.

Ultimately, the controversy serves as a reminder that social-media users can choose to engage with the substance of a message rather than attack the person delivering it. Meher Bukhari’s video was intended to raise questions about children’s digital safety—and that conversation deserves more attention than whether a public figure appears on camera with makeup or without it.