Pakistan may soon consider placing an age limit on social media use after a petition was filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking restrictions for children under the age of 16.
The petition reflects growing global concerns about the impact of social media on young users, as countries like Australia, the UK, and France have already discussed or implemented similar policies.
Petition Filed by Student in LHC
The case was submitted by Class 8 student Aliya Saleem through her lawyer, Sheeza. The petition names the federal government, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and other relevant departments as respondents.
The petitioner urged the authorities to regulate children’s access to social media platforms to protect their development and well-being.
Concerns About Mental and Educational Impact
According to the petition, excessive use of social media is negatively affecting children’s:
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Mental health
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Moral values
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Academic performance
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Social behavior
It claims that misuse of online platforms can lead to psychological stress and unhealthy digital habits, which may harm children’s personalities in the long run.
Exposure to Harmful Online Content
The petition also highlighted that unrestricted internet access exposes minors to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and misleading information at an early age.
Experts believe that early exposure without guidance can influence children’s thinking patterns and decision-making abilities.
Government’s Constitutional Responsibility
The petitioner argued that the state has a constitutional duty to protect children’s fundamental rights. It urged the court to consider reasonable restrictions as part of its responsibility to ensure a safe digital environment.
If approved, such regulations may require social media companies to implement stricter age verification systems in Pakistan.
What Happens Next
The court is expected to review the petition in upcoming hearings. If the matter proceeds, it could lead to new digital policies affecting millions of young users across the country.
Parents, teachers, and education experts are closely monitoring the case, as it may reshape how children use social media in Pakistan.
