The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution calling for a ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16.
Treasury legislator Sarah Ahmed.presented the resolution.
According to the resolution, protecting the physical, mental, psychological and moral development of children is a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state.
It stated that the uncontrolled use of social media is exposing children to cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, inappropriate content, psychological stress and other serious risks.
The House recommended that the federal government impose an effective legal restriction on social media accounts operated by children under 16.
The resolution noted that several countries, including Australia, France, China and various US states, have already introduced laws and age restrictions concerning social media use by minors. In view of these international trends, it said effective legislation in Pakistan was essential to ensure a safe future for children.
The resolution further called on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to introduce an effective age-verification system across all social media platforms.
It also recommended that social media companies be required to comply with child protection standards, promptly prevent harmful content and provide a safe digital environment for minors.
Relevant federal and provincial institutions were urged to launch awareness campaigns for parents, teachers and children on digital literacy and safe internet use.
The resolution also called for a coordinated mechanism between federal and provincial institutions and effective legislation to ensure the online safety and protection of children.
