A resolution has been introduced in the Punjab Assembly aiming to restrict social media access for children under 16 unless authorized by their parents or legal guardians. The proposal, put forward by Punjab Assembly member Sarah Ahmed, urges the provincial government to advocate for federal legislation to regulate minors’ use of social media and enhance their protection online.
The resolution underscores the state’s constitutional and ethical duty to protect children’s physical, mental, psychological, and moral well-being. It points out that unrestricted social media access exposes minors to significant risks such as cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, exposure to inappropriate content, mental health challenges, and digital addiction.
the proposal, children under 16 should be prohibited from creating or maintaining social media accounts without parental or guardian consent. To ensure compliance, it recommends implementing a robust age verification system across all platforms.
In a significant development, the resolution calls on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to enforce these age verification measures on every social media service operating within Pakistan. It also urges social media companies to adhere to child protection standards by promptly removing harmful content and fostering a safer online environment for young users.
Furthermore, the resolution advocates for awareness campaigns targeting parents, educators, and children to promote digital literacy, online safety, and responsible internet usage. These initiatives aim to equip all stakeholders with the knowledge necessary to navigate the digital world securely.
