The Lahore High Court (LHC) has asked the federal government and related authorities to respond to a petition that requests a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16.
The petition, filed by Aliya Saleem and others through Advocate Shiza Qureshi, was heard by LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on Wednesday. During the hearing, Justice Neelum emphasized the significance of the matter, noting that it involved public policy and should be carefully considered by the government.
Advocate Qureshi, representing the petitioners, argued that social media use was negatively affecting children’s mental, moral, and educational development. She urged the court to issue an order prohibiting social media access for children under 16.
International Context
The court was informed that other countries are also moving toward restricting social media for minors. Australia, for instance, implemented a ban on children’s use of social media in December 2025. France, Norway, Malaysia, and New Zealand are currently working on similar regulations to protect minors online.
Following the hearing, Justice Neelum instructed a law officer to seek guidance from the government and submit a detailed report by February 16.
Earlier this month, senators including Falak Naz, Fawzia Arshad, Aimal Wali Khan, Saadia Abbasi, and Dilawar Khan expressed concerns over children’s social media use. They suggested monitoring access for users under 18. Senator Sherry Rehman recommended forming a special committee to develop protective measures in collaboration with relevant ministries.
The LHC had previously issued notices to the federal government in September on a separate petition seeking a ban on Facebook and TikTok for children, highlighting ongoing concerns over social media use by minors.
FAQs
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why is the Lahore High Court reviewing social media use by children? | The court wants to assess the potential harm of social media on children’s mental, moral, and educational development. |
| Which age group is affected by this petition? | Children under the age of 16. |
| Have other countries restricted social media for minors? | Yes, Australia has implemented a ban, and France, Norway, Malaysia, and New Zealand are considering similar laws. |
| What is the government’s role in this case? | The court has asked the government to provide a report and guidance on the matter by February 16. |
| Have lawmakers expressed concern about this issue? | Yes, several senators have raised concerns and suggested monitoring access for children under 18. |
Conclusion
The debate over children’s access to social media is gaining attention worldwide. With the LHC seeking a government response, Pakistan may soon consider regulations similar to those in other countries to protect minors. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how social media access is managed for younger users.
Rana Shahriyar is a dedicated content writer and contributor at 8171 Rashan Program. With a strong interest in social welfare programs and government initiatives, his work focuses on delivering clear, reliable, and easy to understand information for the public.