Punjab Assembly passes resolution seeking social media ban for under-16s

• Resolution moved by treasury lawmaker Sarah Ahmad.
• Says state responsible for protecting children’s overall development.
• Seeks effective age verification across social media platforms.
  

LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution seeking a ban on social media accounts for children under 16 years of age.

The resolution was moved in the House by treasury lawmaker Sarah Ahmad.

Through the Punjab government, the resolution urged the Centre to impose an effective legal ban on social media use by children under 16, subject to parental or legal guardian consent and reliable age verification.

The resolution noted that protecting the physical, mental, psychological and moral development of children was the responsibility of the state.

Inappropriate content on social media is exposing children to mental stress and other risks, it added.

The House also recommended that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) require all social media platforms to implement an effective age-verification system. Social media companies should be required to follow child protection standards, promptly restrict harmful content and provide a safer digital environment for minors.

The relevant federal and provincial institutions should conduct sustained awareness campaigns for parents, teachers and children on digital safety and responsible internet use.

A coordinated system between federal and provincial bodies, along with effective legislation, should also be ensured for the online protection of children.