The Punjab Assembly has approved a resolution urging the federal government to legislate protections for children under 16 against online risks such as cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, and harmful content. Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman termed the move a timely response to growing digital threats facing children.
Rehman said the resolution recommends an effective age-verification system, minimum age limits for social media accounts, and coordinated legislation for safer internet use. He described such measures as an urgent national requirement to protect children from cyberbullying, online exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate material.
While acknowledging that social media offers children educational and creative opportunities, the minister stressed that its use must remain age-appropriate and closely supervised. He urged children to use platforms constructively, avoid suspicious links, and refrain from sharing personal information or photographs unnecessarily.
Rehman said awareness about social media risks is as vital as physical health and education, urging parents and teachers to build trusting relationships with children. This, he said, would allow children to seek help freely in cases of harassment, blackmail, or suspicious online activity.
The resolution also calls for awareness campaigns on safe internet use for parents, teachers, and children, with media playing a key role in promoting digital safety. Rehman concluded that protecting children’s digital future requires collective action from institutions, families, schools, and technology platforms.
