Punjab has taken a major step toward strengthening online child protection through a new legislative proposal. A resolution tabled in the Punjab Assembly seeks to restrict social media access for children under 16. The proposal aims to create a safer and more positive digital environment for minors.
Resolution Calls For Stronger Age Verification
The resolution urges the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to develop an effective regulatory framework. It recommends introducing reliable monitoring systems to enforce age restrictions on social media platforms.
Additionally, the proposal calls for stronger legal measures to prevent children under 16 from creating or operating social media accounts. It also emphasizes implementing a robust age verification system to support enforcement.
Punjab Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Chairperson Sarah Ahmed said every child deserves a safe childhood and a secure digital future. Furthermore, she stressed that protecting children from online harm remains both a constitutional and moral responsibility.
Ahmed warned that children face growing risks from cyberbullying, online exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content. Therefore, she urged authorities to adopt stronger safeguards for young internet users.
Proposal Cites International Examples
The resolution notes that several countries have already introduced age-based restrictions on social media use by minors. These include Australia, France, China, and several states across the United States.
According to the proposal, these international measures demonstrate the importance of protecting children in digital spaces. Consequently, it argues that Pakistan should introduce similar legislation to strengthen online safety.
The resolution maintains that effective laws would help protect children’s digital well-being while encouraging responsible internet use. It also urges policymakers to prioritize child protection as online platforms continue expanding their influence.
The proposal now awaits further consideration as lawmakers debate measures to improve online safety for children across Pakistan.
