Experts agree to put restrictions on social media use by minors

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jul, 2026) Pakistan is actively pursuing a complete nationwide ban on social media accounts for minors under the age of 16. Legal, social media and child protection experts are seeking strict legal frameworks to combat digital addiction, online sexual abuse, cyber bullying, and negative impacts on adolescent mental health.

Experts further believe that the increasing negative effects of social media on the moral training, mental and physical health of minors, various countries have started bringing bad results related to the use of online platforms.

Meanwhile, recently, a resolution has been submitted to the Punjab Assembly, seeking a nationwide ban on social media accounts for children under the age of 16 without parental consent, amid growing concerns over cyber bullying and digital addiction among the minors.

The resolution, moved by Punjab lawmaker Sarah Ahmad, urges the provincial government to recommend to the Federal government to introduce comprehensive legislation to regulate children’s access to social media platforms and strengthen online safety measures.

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Muhammad Nauroze, a leading social activist and lawyer said that the protection of children’s mental, physical, psychological and moral development is both a legal and moral responsibility of the state, adding that direct access to social media has exposed minors to cyber bullying, inappropriate content, psychological distress, digital addiction and other serious online threats.

Deen Muhammad Dard, a noted journalist and a social activist said that Social media presents significant psychological, social, and behavioral risks to minors, with a body growth impact of evidence indicating that its current design can actively harm adolescent development. He said studies indicate that adolescents who spend significant time on social media are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes.

It may be mentioned here that If adopted by the Punjab Assembly, the resolution will serve as a recommendation to the federal government, which has legislative authority over telecommunications, internet regulation and digital platforms.