Resolution Tabled in Punjab Assembly to Restrict Social Media Access for Children Under 16

Lahore: A resolution has been submitted in the Punjab Assembly seeking to restrict social media access for children under the age of 16 and to introduce an age-verification system for social media accounts in Pakistan.

The resolution was tabled by Punjab Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Chairperson and Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Sarah Ahmad. The initiative aims to provide children with a safe and positive digital environment in line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision of ensuring a secure childhood and digital future for every child.

In a statement, Sarah Ahmad said that protecting children from the harmful effects of social media, cyberbullying, online exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content is both a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.

The resolution calls for effective legal measures to regulate the use of social media accounts by individuals under the age of 16 and recommends the implementation of a robust age-verification mechanism.

She noted that several countries, including Australia, France, China, and various states in the United States, have already introduced laws and age restrictions governing children’s access to social media platforms.

Sarah Ahmad emphasized that, in light of international trends, Pakistan must enact appropriate legislation to safeguard the digital well-being of children. The resolution also recommends that the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) establish an effective regulatory and monitoring framework for the protection of minors online.

She reiterated that safeguarding children’s best interests remains a top priority of the provincial government and that every child deserves a secure and healthy digital future.