The Punjab Assembly has passed a resolution calling for an effective legal ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16.
The resolution calls for greater coordination between federal and provincial institutions to protect children from potential risks associated with social media and to strengthen legislation in this area.
According to the resolution, unrestricted or unsafe use of social media can expose children to cyberbullying, online sexual abuse, inappropriate content and mental stress, as well as other potential physical and psychological risks.
The resolution argues that existing measures need to be strengthened to protect minors from digital harms.
It also refers to measures adopted in several countries, including Australia, France and China, as well as a number of US states, where restrictions have been introduced or proposed to regulate children’s access to social media.
The Punjab Assembly has called for similar effective measures in Pakistan, with federal and provincial authorities working together on legislation and enforcement.
The move comes amid growing international debate over the impact of social media on children and the responsibility of governments and technology companies to provide greater protection for young users.
The resolution does not itself constitute a nationwide ban, but calls for legal measures to restrict social media access for children under 16.
