LAHORE: A resolution seeking to restrict access to social media platforms for children under the age of 16 has been submitted in the Punjab Assembly, aiming to protect minors from the harmful effects of online platforms.
The resolution was moved by Sarah Ahmad, Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab and a Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA). It calls for effective legal measures to regulate social media use by children below the age of 16 and proposes the introduction of a robust age verification system for online platforms.
According to Sarah Ahmad, the primary objective of the resolution is to safeguard children from the negative impacts of excessive social media use, including cyberbullying, online exploitation, exposure to inappropriate content, and other digital risks.
She said that children are increasingly vulnerable to harmful online activities, making it necessary to establish legal safeguards that promote a safer digital environment. The resolution emphasizes that protecting young users from online abuse should be treated as a priority by policymakers.
The proposed measure urges the relevant authorities to formulate effective legislation governing social media access for minors and to require digital platforms to implement reliable age verification mechanisms. Such systems, the resolution argues, would help prevent children under 16 from creating or using social media accounts without appropriate safeguards.
Supporters of the proposal believe that unrestricted access to social media can have adverse effects on children’s mental health, emotional well-being, academic performance, and overall development. They argue that prolonged exposure to digital platforms may increase the risk of anxiety, depression, addiction to online content, and interactions with harmful or misleading material.
The resolution also highlights concerns over cyberbullying and online harassment, which have become increasingly common among young internet users. It notes that children often lack the maturity and awareness needed to recognize online threats, making them more susceptible to scams, exploitation, and inappropriate communication.
In addition to cyberbullying, the proposal points to the growing problem of children encountering violent, explicit, or otherwise unsuitable content on social media platforms. It argues that stronger regulatory measures are needed to reduce these risks while encouraging responsible internet use.
The resolution references international developments, noting that several countries—including Australia, France, China, and the United States—have introduced or proposed laws and regulatory frameworks addressing children’s use of social media and digital services. These international examples are cited as evidence of growing global concern about the impact of social media on minors.
Although the resolution itself does not constitute law, it seeks to encourage the Punjab Assembly and relevant government institutions to consider legislative reforms aimed at strengthening child online safety. If adopted, it could pave the way for further policy discussions and potential legislation on regulating children’s access to social media.
Digital safety experts have increasingly emphasized the importance of balancing children’s access to educational and social opportunities online with measures that protect them from harmful content and online predators. Many also advocate for greater parental awareness, digital literacy education, and platform accountability alongside legal reforms.
The resolution is expected to be taken up for discussion in the Punjab Assembly during a future session. Lawmakers will have the opportunity to debate its recommendations and determine whether further legislative action should be pursued.
If implemented through legislation, the proposed measures could significantly change how children under the age of 16 access social media in Punjab by requiring stricter identity verification and enhancing protections against cyber risks and harmful online content. The proposal reflects a broader international trend toward increasing safeguards for young internet users in the digital age.
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