The Islamabad High Court has been approached over growing concerns about children’s social media use and online safety.
The petition seeks directions for the federal government to introduce legislation regulating social media access for children under 16.
It also calls for a comprehensive framework covering children’s digital rights, privacy and safety across social media platforms.
Petition Seeks Age Verification for Children
The petition was filed through advocates Muhammad Jalal Haider and Yahya Farid Khawaja before the Islamabad High Court.
The petitioners have requested an effective age-verification mechanism for social media accounts operated by children under 16.
They argue that minors increasingly face cyberbullying, online harassment and exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.
Therefore, they want the state to establish stronger safeguards for children using digital platforms.
The petition also seeks specific responsibilities for social media companies to protect minors from online risks.
Calls for Comprehensive Child Protection Framework
The petitioners have urged the federal government to formulate a policy addressing several aspects of children’s digital lives.
These areas include digital rights, privacy, and the mental and physical safety of children.
They have also requested a dedicated mechanism for social media protection and regulation.
Such a mechanism, they argue, would help ensure stronger protection for children while using online platforms.
The petition further seeks legislative measures to regulate social media access for people under 16.
According to the petitioners, the absence of effective age verification makes existing protections difficult to enforce.
They argue that children can therefore remain exposed to online risks despite safeguards intended specifically for minors.
Petition Refers to Measures in Other Countries
The petitioners have referred to measures adopted or proposed in several countries to protect children online.
These countries include Australia, France, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Spain.
According to the petition, these countries have considered safeguards such as age restrictions and parental consent.
They have also introduced or proposed age-verification mechanisms for children accessing social media platforms.
The petitioners have cited these measures while seeking stronger protections for children in Pakistan.
UN Child Rights Convention Cited
The petition also relies on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It refers specifically to General Comment No. 25 concerning children’s rights in the digital environment.
The petitioners argue that protecting children’s best interests represents more than a policy objective. They maintain that it constitutes a legal obligation of the state.
They have also linked the absence of age verification with difficulties in enforcing protections designed for minors.
Consequently, they want the government to introduce both legislative and institutional measures for children’s digital protection.
Government Departments and Regulators Named
Several government departments and regulatory bodies have been named as respondents in the petition.
These include the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Law and Justice have also been made respondents.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority are among the other respondents.
The petitioners have asked the court to direct these authorities toward stronger regulatory measures.
Punjab Assembly Also Seeks Restrictions
The issue had also reached the Punjab Assembly through a resolution submitted last month.
The resolution called for a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under 16 without parental consent.
Punjab lawmaker Sarah Ahmad moved the resolution amid concerns about cyberbullying and online sexual abuse.
The resolution also highlighted concerns surrounding digital addiction among minors.
It urged the provincial government to recommend comprehensive legislation to the federal government.
The proposed legislation would regulate children’s access to social media and strengthen online safety measures.
Proposed Rules Would Require Parental Consent
The resolution states that protecting children’s physical, mental, psychological and moral development carries constitutional and moral responsibilities.
It further argues that unrestricted social media access exposes minors to several online risks.
These risks include cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation and inappropriate content.
The resolution also mentions psychological distress, digital addiction and other serious threats linked to online activity.
It recommends legislation preventing children below 16 from creating or maintaining social media accounts without parental consent.
The proposed requirement would apply unless consent comes from a parent or legal guardian through reliable age verification.
Social Media Platforms Could Face Greater Responsibilities
The resolution also calls upon the PTA to implement effective age-verification systems across social media platforms.
These systems would apply to platforms operating in Pakistan under the proposed restrictions. Furthermore, the resolution seeks greater responsibility from social media companies regarding child protection.
It proposes requiring platforms to follow child protection standards and promptly remove harmful content. The measure also aims to encourage safer digital environments for minors.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court petition seeks similar protections through a broader legal and institutional framework.
The proceedings could therefore bring renewed attention to how Pakistan regulates children’s access to social media.
