Social Media Ban proposals reached the Punjab Assembly after a lawmaker submitted a resolution calling for nationwide restrictions on social media accounts for children under the age of 16 without parental or guardian consent.

Punjab Assembly member Sarah Ahmad moved the resolution, urging the provincial government to recommend that the federal government introduce comprehensive legislation to regulate children’s access to social media platforms and strengthen online safety measures.

The resolution states that protecting children’s physical, mental, psychological and moral well-being is both a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state. It warns that unrestricted access to social media exposes minors to cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, inappropriate content, psychological distress and digital addiction.

The proposal calls on the federal government to require parental or legal guardian consent before anyone under 16 can create or maintain a social media account. It also recommends introducing a reliable age-verification system to enforce the proposed rules.

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The resolution asks the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to ensure social media platforms operating in Pakistan implement effective age-verification mechanisms and comply with child protection requirements.

It also urges social media companies to remove harmful content quickly and create safer online environments for children.

In addition, the resolution recommends nationwide awareness campaigns to educate parents, teachers and children about digital literacy, online safety and responsible internet use.

Lawmakers also called for stronger coordination between federal and provincial authorities to improve child protection through comprehensive online safety legislation.

The proposal comes as several countries, including Australia and members of the European Union, tighten restrictions on children’s access to social media amid growing concerns over mental health, cyberbullying and harmful online content.

If the Punjab Assembly adopts the resolution, it will serve as a recommendation to the federal government, which holds legislative authority over telecommunications, internet regulation and digital platforms.