A resolution submitted to Pakistan's Punjab Assembly this week seeks a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under 16 without parental consent.
Punjab Assembly member Sarah Ahmad introduced the proposal, citing cyberbullying, online sexual abuse and digital addiction among minors. It asks Punjab's provincial government to press the federal government for binding legislation, since telecoms regulation falls outside provincial jurisdiction.
What does the Punjab Assembly resolution on social media propose?
The resolution recommends barring children younger than 16 from creating social media accounts unless a parent or legal guardian consents through a verified age check. It calls on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to enforce age verification across platforms and asks social media companies to meet child protection standards and remove harmful content quickly.
Does Pakistan have an existing law on social media age limits?
Pakistan currently has no law setting a minimum age for social media use. Telecommunications and online platform regulation fall under federal, not provincial, jurisdiction. Any binding age restriction would need to pass through Pakistan's Parliament rather than a provincial assembly.
The resolution functions as a formal recommendation rather than enforceable policy. It asks the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to design a regulatory and monitoring system for the proposed restrictions.
Why did Sarah Ahmad introduce the social media ban for children under 16?
Ahmad, who chairs the Child Protection Bureau, said every child deserves a safe childhood and a secure digital future. She described protecting children from cyberbullying, online exploitation and inappropriate content as both a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state. The resolution states that unrestricted access to social media has exposed minors to psychological distress, digital addiction and other online threats.
How would age verification and parental consent work?
The proposal would bar children younger than 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts unless a parent or legal guardian gives consent. That consent would need to be confirmed through a reliable age verification system. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority would be responsible for implementing and enforcing these checks across platforms operating in the country.
Social media companies would also be required to meet child protection standards and remove harmful content promptly. The resolution calls for a safer online environment for minors through faster content moderation. It also urges public awareness campaigns to promote digital literacy and responsible internet use among parents, teachers and children, alongside stronger coordination between federal and provincial authorities.
Which other countries are restricting social media access for under-16s?
Pakistan's proposal comes as governments worldwide weigh stricter rules on children's social media use. Australia last year became the first country to require major platforms to block users under 16 from holding accounts.
The United Kingdom plans a similar ban, while the European Union is considering age-based restrictions over concerns about children's mental health and exposure to harmful content.
