The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution calling for restrictions on social media accounts for children under 16 years of age.
The resolution was moved by treasury lawmaker Sarah Ahmad. It urged the federal government to introduce an effective legal framework to prevent children under 16 from independently accessing social media platforms.
The proposed restrictions would be subject to parental or legal guardian consent. The resolution also called for reliable age-verification mechanisms to ensure that platforms can identify and restrict underage users.
Assembly Raises Concerns Over Children’s Online Safety
The resolution highlighted concerns over children’s exposure to inappropriate and potentially harmful content online.
According to the resolution, such content can contribute to mental stress and create physical, psychological and moral risks for children.
The House said protecting the overall development and wellbeing of children is an important responsibility of the state.
The resolution therefore called for stronger measures to create a safer digital environment for minors.
PTA Urged to Enforce Age Verification
The Punjab Assembly recommended that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) require social media platforms to introduce effective age-verification systems.
It also urged social media companies to comply with child protection standards. Platforms should take timely action against harmful content and strengthen safeguards for underage users.
The resolution further called for sustained digital safety awareness campaigns involving parents, teachers and children.
These campaigns would focus on responsible internet use and help families understand the risks children may face online.
Call for Federal-Provincial Coordination
The House also stressed the need for greater coordination between federal and provincial institutions to strengthen online child protection.
It recommended effective legislation and coordinated enforcement mechanisms to address risks associated with children’s social media use.
The resolution now places the issue before the federal authorities for consideration, with the Punjab Assembly calling for stronger legal and technological safeguards to protect children in the digital environment.
