LAHORE: A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) seeking a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 in Pakistan, highlighting concerns over the mental, moral, and educational well-being of young users.
The petition was submitted by Class 8 student Aliya Saleem through her lawyer, Sheeza, and names the federal government, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and other relevant agencies as respondents. It comes amid global trends, with countries such as Australia, the UK, and France recently imposing age restrictions on social media platforms.
According to the petition, unrestricted access to social media is contributing to psychological issues, including stress, anxiety, and exposure to harmful content. The petitioner emphasized that early exposure to unhealthy online behavior could have long-term adverse effects on children’s personality development, moral values, and prospects.
“Unchecked access to social media can undermine the mental and educational development of children,” the petition stated, calling for proactive measures to regulate online platforms for minors.
The petition further argues that the state has a constitutional duty to protect the fundamental rights of children, including the right to education and the right to a safe and healthy environment.
It urges the court to direct the government and relevant authorities to impose age-appropriate restrictions on social media use, aligning Pakistan with international practices designed to safeguard minors.
Lawyers and child welfare experts have expressed support for the petition, highlighting the growing evidence linking excessive social media use to developmental and psychological challenges among young people.
The LHC is expected to review the petition in upcoming hearings, and the decision could set a precedent for regulating social media access for minors across Pakistan, aiming to protect children from harmful digital exposure while promoting safe and responsible online engagement.
