Punjab Assembly passes resolution seeking ban on social media for under-16s

The Punjab Assembly recently passed a resolution in Lahore aimed at banning social media accounts for children under the age of 16. This resolution was introduced by Sarah Ahmad, chairperson of the Child Protection Bureau, in July. The resolution calls for stringent legislation and a collaborative approach between federal and provincial bodies to safeguard minors from the potential dangers of social media.

These dangers include cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, exposure to inappropriate content, and mental stress. The resolution cites examples set by countries like Australia, France, China, and several U.S. states that have implemented regulations to control social media usage by underage individuals. It urges Pakistan to adopt similar measures to protect its youth.

This comes as governments worldwide are contemplating stricter regulations on children's social media use, given growing concerns over mental health issues, cyber abuse, and exposure to harmful content. Countries such as Australia and the European Union have introduced age-based restrictions, age verification requirements, and enhanced child online safety laws.

If approved by the Punjab Assembly, this resolution will serve as a recommendation to the federal government, which has jurisdiction over telecommunications, internet regulation, and digital platforms. Additionally, the House adopted a second resolution advocating for equal religious education facilities and examination opportunities for prisoners belonging to minority communities.

This resolution, proposed by Treasury member Raheela Khadim and passed by a majority vote, highlights the existing disparity in religious education for minority prisoners. According to official records, 2,558 Muslim prisoners took advantage of the existing facility between 2020 and 2025 to obtain religious education. The resolution emphasizes the need for a similar system for prisoners of Christian, Hindu, Sikh, and other minority faiths, ensuring they receive equal opportunities to study their respective religious curricula, take exams, and receive sentence remission upon successfully completing their religious education, as mandated by law.