Ban on social media for children under 16 proposed in Pakistan

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday sought replies from the federal government and other authorities on a petition seeking a ban on the use of social media by children under the age of 16.

The court emphasized that any policy regarding children’s access to social media should be formulated and implemented by the government itself. Earlier this month, PTI Senator Falak Naz called for banning children under 18 from using social media platforms, including TikTok, highlighting concerns over its growing negative impact on young users in Pakistan. The proposal was presented during a Senate session presided over by Senator Sherry Rehman, where a calling attention notice regarding the increasing use of social media by underage children was discussed.

Australia recently became the first country to ban social media use for children under 16. Under the new law, ten major platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, and Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, are required to block access for children or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($33 million). The move has been welcomed by parents and child safety advocates but criticized by major technology companies and free-speech proponents.

Experts say Pakistan could take lessons from such international measures while developing its own policy. They note that appropriate regulations can help protect children from harmful content, excessive screen time, and potential cyber threats while balancing access to information and digital literacy.The LHC’s order underscores the need for clear and enforceable guidelines to protect minors online. Authorities are expected to submit their detailed plan by February 10, after which the court will review and guide the implementation of any social media regulations for children.