Pakistan may soon join a growing list of countries reconsidering how young users access social media platforms. A petition filed in the Lahore High Court has called for age restrictions on social media, specifically seeking a ban on children under the age of sixteen from using these platforms.
The petition was submitted by a class eight student, Aliya Saleem, through her lawyer Sheeza. It names the federal government, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and other relevant authorities as respondents. The case urges the court to take notice of the impact unchecked social media use is having on children across the country.
According to the petition, excessive exposure to social media is affecting the mental, moral, and educational development of young users. It argues that children are increasingly vulnerable to psychological stress, harmful online behavior, and inappropriate content at a very early age.
Growing Concerns Over Child Safety Online
The petition highlights that unrestricted access to social media can negatively shape a child’s personality and future wellbeing. It claims that many minors lack the emotional maturity to navigate online spaces safely, making them more susceptible to cyberbullying, misinformation, and unhealthy comparisons.
Also read: Pasta Freezes in Mid Air as Temperature Drops to -21 °C
The petitioner further stated that the state has a constitutional responsibility to safeguard the fundamental rights of children. From this perspective, age restrictions on social media are being presented not as censorship, but as a protective measure aimed at ensuring a safer digital environment for minors.
Pakistan’s debate mirrors similar discussions taking place globally. Countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and France have already moved toward limiting social media access for younger users, citing child safety and mental health concerns. These international examples were referenced to support the argument that Pakistan should consider similar safeguards.
What This Could Mean Going Forward
While no immediate policy change has been announced, the petition has opened the door to a wider national conversation. If the court takes up the matter seriously, it could lead to regulatory discussions involving platform age verification, parental controls, and stricter enforcement by digital authorities.
For now, the case reflects increasing concern among parents, educators, and students themselves about the long term effects of digital exposure. As the hearing progresses, Pakistan may find itself at a turning point in defining how children engage with social media in the years ahead.
