Punjab Assembly pushes to restrict social media access for children under 16

The resolution, tabled by Sarah Ahmad, Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab and a member of the Punjab Assembly, emphasizes that

Lahore: A resolution has been submitted in the Punjab Assembly seeking stricter controls on social media access for children under the age of 16, calling for mandatory age verification and stronger legal safeguards to protect minors online.

The resolution, tabled by Sarah Ahmad, Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab and a member of the Punjab Assembly, emphasizes that protecting children from the harmful effects of social media is both a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.

It highlights growing concerns over cyberbullying, online exploitation, exposure to inappropriate content, and other digital risks faced by young users. The proposal urges the introduction of an effective age verification mechanism for social media accounts operated by children under 16, alongside comprehensive legislation to regulate their online access.

The resolution also recommends that the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) establish a robust regulatory and monitoring framework to ensure compliance and enhance child safety in the digital space.

Referring to international examples, the resolution notes that countries such as Australia, France, China, and several U.S. states have already introduced age-related restrictions and legal measures governing children’s use of social media. It argues that Pakistan should adopt similar protections to create a safer online environment for minors.

Sarah Ahmad said every child has the right to a secure digital environment, adding that timely legislative action is essential to safeguard children’s best interests in an increasingly connected world.