Punjab Moves to Protect Children in the Digital World
The Punjab Assembly has unanimously approved a resolution calling for enforceable legislation to restrict children under 16 from creating and maintaining social media accounts.
Moved by Punjab MP and Child Protection Bureau Chairperson Sarah Ahmad, the resolution asks the federal government to develop a comprehensive framework for children’s access to social media.
The proposal reflects growing concern over the risks young users can face online, including cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, psychological stress and digital addiction.
The proposal does not seek to ban social media altogether. Instead, it calls for children under 16 to require parental or legal guardian consent before accessing social media platforms.
A major part of the proposed framework is effective age verification. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has been asked to ensure that platforms operating in Pakistan have systems capable of verifying users’ ages.
The measure could, however, raise important questions around privacy and data protection. Any age verification system would need to protect children without creating unnecessary risks around the collection and use of personal information.
The resolution also calls on social media companies to strengthen safeguards for young users. Platforms would be expected to comply with child protection requirements and take greater responsibility for harmful or inappropriate content.
The proposal highlights the need to filter material that may be unsuitable for children and create safer online spaces. It also recognises that children can encounter strangers, harmful material and highly engaging algorithm driven content while using social platforms.
Alongside regulation, the resolution recommends continued awareness campaigns for parents, teachers and children.
The Punjab Assembly has unanimously approved a resolution calling for enforceable legislation to restrict children under 16 from creating and maintaining social media accounts.
The Punjab Assembly has unanimously approved a resolution calling for enforceable legislation to restrict children under 16 from creating and maintaining social media accounts.
Moved by Punjab MP and Child Protection Bureau Chairperson Sarah Ahmad, the resolution asks the federal government to develop a comprehensive framework for children’s access to social media.
The proposal reflects growing concern over the risks young users can face online, including cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, psychological stress and digital addiction.
The proposal does not seek to ban social media altogether. Instead, it calls for children under 16 to require parental or legal guardian consent before accessing social media platforms.
A major part of the proposed framework is effective age verification. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has been asked to ensure that platforms operating in Pakistan have systems capable of verifying users’ ages.
The measure could, however, raise important questions around privacy and data protection. Any age verification system would need to protect children without creating unnecessary risks around the collection and use of personal information.
The resolution also calls on social media companies to strengthen safeguards for young users. Platforms would be expected to comply with child protection requirements and take greater responsibility for harmful or inappropriate content.
The proposal highlights the need to filter material that may be unsuitable for children and create safer online spaces. It also recognises that children can encounter strangers, harmful material and highly engaging algorithm driven content while using social platforms.
Alongside regulation, the resolution recommends continued awareness campaigns for parents, teachers and children.
