A resolution seeking a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under 16 without parental consent has been submitted to the Punjab Assembly, citing rising concerns over cyberbullying, online sexual abuse and digital addiction among minors.
The resolution, moved by Punjab lawmaker Sarah Ahmad, urges the provincial government to recommend that the federal government introduce comprehensive legislation regulating access of children to social media platforms and strengthening online safety measures.
It states that protection of the physical, mental, psychological and moral development of children is both a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.
Unrestricted access to social media, it adds, has exposed minors to cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, inappropriate content, psychological distress, digital addiction and other serious online threats.
The resolution recommends that the federal government enact legislation prohibiting children below the age of 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts unless consent of a parent or legal guardian is obtained through a reliable age-verification mechanism.
It also calls on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to implement and enforce effective age-verification systems across all social media platforms operating in Pakistan to ensure compliance with the proposed restrictions.
It further seeks to hold social media companies responsible for complying with child protection standards by requiring prompt removal of harmful content and provision of a safer digital environment for minors.
The resolution recommends sustained awareness campaigns by relevant federal and provincial departments for parents, teachers and children to promote digital literacy, online safety and responsible internet use, along with stronger coordination between federal and provincial authorities.
The proposal comes as governments worldwide consider stricter regulation of the use of social media by children amid mounting evidence linking excessive online activity to mental health issues, cyber abuse and exposure to harmful content.
Several countries, including Australia, as well as the EU, have recently moved toward age-based restrictions on access to social media platforms, while others are examining stronger age-verification requirements and enhanced child online safety laws.
If adopted by the Punjab Assembly, the resolution will serve as a recommendation to the federal government, which holds legislative authority over telecommunications, internet regulation and digital platforms.
