LAHORE (Kashmir English): The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution demanding a ban on the use of social media for children under the age of 16.
The resolution, presented by government MPA Sara Ahmed, stated that social media was exposing children to cyberbullying, online sexual abuse, inappropriate content, and psychological stress.
It said that it is the responsibility of the state to protect the physical, mental, and moral development of children and recommended that the federal government enforce a legal ban on social media for children under the age of 16.
“Australia, France, China, and the United States have introduced laws on the use of social media by minors. In view of international trends, legislation is also essential in Pakistan for the safe future of minors,” the resolution added.
The document further added that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority should implement an effective age verification system on all social media platforms, and social media companies should be obliged to immediately prevent harmful content and provide a safe digital environment.
“The resolution said that federal and provincial institutions should run a digital awareness and safe internet use campaign for parents, teachers, and children.”
It mentioned that a coordinated system and effective legislation should be ensured in federal and provincial institutions for the online protection of children.
