The Lahore High Court is considering whether to restrict social media use for children under the age of 16, as concerns grow over the impact of digital platforms on minors.
During proceedings, the court directed the federal government and relevant authorities to submit their responses by February 10. The bench noted that any policy regulating minors’ access to social media must be issued by the government and be grounded in a clear legal framework.
The discussion follows the broader national debate on online safety for children. Earlier this month, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Senator Falak Naz urged lawmakers to ban social media use for individuals under 18, including platforms such as TikTok. She cited rising cases of harmful content and negative behavioural effects among young users.
Read: France Backs Social Media Ban for Children Under 15
The issue also reached the Senate floor, where Senator Falak Naz moved a calling attention notice during a session chaired by Sherry Rehman. The notice highlighted the increasing presence of underage children on social media and the lack of effective safeguards.
International precedents continue to shape the debate. Australia recently became the first nation to ban social media access for children under 16. Under the law, major platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Meta-owned Instagram and Facebook must block underage users or face fines of up to A$49.5 million.
Observers say Pakistan’s courts and policymakers are now examining similar measures as regulators worldwide reassess how to balance child protection, digital access, and freedom of expression.
