Ayesha Omar Calls for Social Media Ban for Under-18s, Mandatory ID Verification
Major Debate Erupts Over Social Media Access for Children in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: (News Pulse) The debate over children’s access to social media has intensified in Pakistan, with actress Ayesha M. Omar calling for a ban on social media use by children under 18 and proposing mandatory identity verification for account creation.
Meanwhile, Punjab Assembly member and Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Sarah Ahmad has moved a resolution seeking restrictions on social media accounts for children under the age of 16.
The resolution calls for parental consent, effective age verification and stronger safeguards to protect young users from potentially harmful online content.
The issue has also reached the Lahore High Court, which has sought responses from the federal government and relevant authorities on a petition seeking restrictions on social media use by children under 16.
The growing debate comes amid increasing concerns over the early exposure of children to the digital world. Social media has become an important part of everyday life, with children gaining access to smartphones, online platforms and digital communication at increasingly younger ages.
While social media can provide children with access to education, information and communication, unrestricted access can also expose them to content and online interactions that may not be appropriate for their age.
The issue therefore goes beyond simply imposing an age limit. It raises broader questions about the responsibilities of parents, schools, technology companies and government authorities in creating a safer digital environment for children.
Parental guidance remains particularly important. Children need to understand what they are watching, whom they are communicating with, what personal information they should protect and what boundaries they should maintain while using online platforms.
At the same time, effective age-verification systems and stronger child-safety measures could form part of any future regulatory framework. Such measures would need to address online risks while also recognising children’s growing reliance on digital platforms for learning, communication and access to information.
As Pakistan considers possible restrictions on social media use by minors, the debate highlights the need for a comprehensive approach involving families, educational institutions, technology platforms and regulatory authorities.
The central question now is how to protect children from age-inappropriate content and online risks while enabling them to participate safely and responsibly in an increasingly digital society.
