Key Takeaways
- The Punjab Assembly has passed a resolution banning social media access for children under 16.
- The measure aims to protect children from cyberbullying, online exploitation, and inappropriate content.
- Punjab Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Chairperson Sarah Ahmed emphasized the urgency of the new law.
The Punjab Assembly has taken a significant step towards safeguarding its youth by passing a resolution that bans social media access for children under 16. This landmark decision, which was tabled at the assembly, seeks to enforce stricter controls on digital platforms in order to protect minors from potential harm.
According to Sarah Ahmed, Chairperson of the Punjab Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, every child deserves both a safe childhood and secure digital future. She highlighted that the resolution is part of broader efforts to enhance online safety across Punjab and the country. The measure aligns with growing international trends, as several countries including Australia, France, China, and US states have already enacted similar legislation.
The resolution calls on the federal government and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to develop an effective regulatory framework that enforces age restrictions on social media use. It specifically recommends introducing a robust age verification system to prevent children under 16 from creating or operating social media accounts. This move is seen as a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state to shield children from harmful effects such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content.
While the resolution has not yet been implemented, it marks a significant push towards strengthening online child protection in Pakistan’s most populous province. The proposed measures are part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring that children can enjoy their digital rights without being exposed to potential dangers.
Sarah Ahmed stated: 'It is our constitutional and moral responsibility to protect the children from these harmful effects.' Her comments underscore the urgency and importance of the new law, which aims to create a safer online environment for young people in Punjab.
The resolution points out that social media platforms can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, online exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content. These risks are particularly concerning given the increasing use of digital devices among children. By implementing age-based restrictions, the government hopes to mitigate these dangers and provide a safer digital experience for young people.
The proposed measures would introduce stricter controls on social media access for minors as part of broader efforts to enhance online safety across Punjab and the country. This initiative is expected to set a precedent for other provinces in Pakistan, potentially leading to nationwide legislation that prioritizes child protection in the digital age.
'It is our constitutional and moral responsibility to protect the children from these harmful effects.'
Sarah Ahmed, Chairperson of the Punjab Child Protection and Welfare Bureau
