As Europe takes decisive steps to protect its children from the dark underbelly of social media and online addiction, the urgency for countries like us to follow suit has never been greater.
Several European nations have spearheaded a call for the European Union to implement concrete, continent-wide restrictions on children’s access to social media.
The proposals being discussed include setting a uniform digital age of adulthood across the EU, ensuring that children under 15or under 16, in some casescannot access social media platforms without parental consent.
France has already passed a law requiring such consent for users under 15, although it awaits full EU approval.
Australia has gone even further, banning social media access for under-16s entirely, with New Zealand and Norway considering similar action.
Increased screen time is being linked to reduced physical mobility, poor dietary habits and serious mental health challenges.
Children are spending more time glued to screens and less time engaging in physical activity, socializing in the real world, or developing healthy routines.
This crisis is not confined to Europe—it is happening here in Pakistan, too.
Our children are increasingly immersed in a digital world with little oversight.
They scroll through platforms riddled with harmful trends, violent content and addictive games that encourage unhealthy sleep patterns and isolation.
The consequences are dire: rising levels of childhood obesity, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and reduced academic performance.
The time has come for us to act.
We must recognize the importance of regulating children’s digital life not to stifle growth or curiosity, but to protect their health, well-being and future.
Just as we enforce age restrictions on driving, we must treat digital access with the same seriousness.
We urge the government, policymakers, educators and civil society to come together and chart a national framework to address this growing issue.
This is not about resisting technology—it is about responsible use.
Our children deserve better.
Their physical and mental health cannot be sacrificed at the altar of digital addiction.
It’s time we put their future first.
Let us not wait until the damage is irreversible.
