The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday adopted a resolution advocating for a prohibition on social media access for children below the age of 16. The motion was introduced by Sarah Ahmad, a member of the treasury benches.
The resolution called on the federal government to enforce a stringent legal ban on social media usage by minors under 16, contingent upon parental or legal guardian approval and robust age verification mechanisms. It emphasized the state’s duty to safeguard the physical, mental, psychological, and moral well-being of children.
Highlighting the dangers posed by inappropriate content online, the resolution pointed out that such exposure can lead to mental distress and other serious risks for young users. It further recommended that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) mandate all social media platforms to implement effective age-verification systems.
Moreover, social media companies should be compelled to adhere to child protection guidelines, swiftly restrict harmful material, and ensure a safer digital environment for minors. The resolution also urged federal and provincial agencies to launch ongoing awareness campaigns targeting parents, educators, and children to promote digital safety and responsible internet use.
In a significant development, the assembly stressed the importance of a coordinated framework between federal and provincial authorities, backed by comprehensive legislation, to enhance the online protection of children across the country.
