The Lahore High Court has sought a response from the government on a petition requesting restrictions on social media use for children under the age of 16.
The court raised the issue during a recent hearing and directed relevant authorities to submit their replies before the next hearing.
The petition was filed by a school student, who expressed concerns about the growing use of social media among young children. According to the petition, children are increasingly exposed to inappropriate, misleading, and harmful content on social media platforms.
This exposure, it says, can negatively affect their mental health, behavior, moral values, and overall development. During the hearing, the court observed that the issue is sensitive and requires serious attention.
The chief justice noted that while the matter has legal aspects, it is mainly a policy issue that should be addressed by the government. The court emphasized that protecting children from online harm is an important responsibility of the state.
Following this, the Lahore High Court issued notices to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Ministry of Law and Justice, and other concerned .These authorities have been asked to share their views and explain what measures, if any, are already in place to regulate children’s access to social media.
The petition suggests that age-based restrictions could help reduce the negative impact of social media on young users. It also points out that many countries are considering or have already introduced rules to protect children from online risks.
The case has attracted public attention, especially from parents and educators, who believe that children need better protection in the digital world. Many feel that clear laws and proper monitoring can help create a safer online environment.
The court will review the responses submitted by the government before deciding on the next steps in the case.
