On January 27, the Lahore High Court (LHC) initiated discussions on potentially prohibiting social media usage for children under the age of 16. This development follows a petition filed by a student, Aliya Saleem, which was presented to LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum. The court has requested the federal government and other relevant authorities to provide their input on the matter by 10 February.
The petition, advocated by Shiza Qureshi, argues that social media platforms significantly impair children’s mental, moral, and educational development. In light of these concerns, the court remarked that it is crucial for the government to establish and implement a comprehensive policy on this issue.
During a Senate session presided over by Senator Sherry Rehman, the topic of social media’s impact on minors was also raised. Senator Falak Naz, among others, voiced concerns about the increasing engagement of underage children with platforms like TikTok, prompting discussions on implementing age restrictions similar to those in other countries.
Internationally, Australia has already set a precedent by banning social media access for children under 16, a move that has sparked a global conversation on the topic. Other countries such as France, Norway, Malaysia, and New Zealand are reportedly exploring similar legislation.
In response to the petition and the Senate’s discussions, the LHC has emphasized the importance of governmental oversight in this area. Justice Neelum directed a law officer to coordinate with the government to formulate a response, which is expected by 16 February.
The matter has garnered attention not only for its legal implications but also for broader societal concerns about the safety and well-being of children in the digital age.
