LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court on Wednesday took up a petition seeking restrictions on the use of social media by children below the age of 16 and directed relevant authorities to submit their responses by February 10.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition filed by Aalia Saleem, an eighth-grade student, and issued notices to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, the Ministry of Law and Justice and other concerned departments.
During the hearing, the chief justice observed that the issue raised in the petition was of a sensitive nature and required careful consideration. She said the matter also needed attention at the policy level and should be examined by the government accordingly.
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The petitioner argued that popular platforms, including TikTok and other social media applications, expose children to inappropriate content and negative behavioural influences that could harm their well-being and development. She said existing regulatory mechanisms were insufficient to protect minors from such risks.
The petition maintained that safeguarding children’s fundamental rights was the responsibility of the state and that regulatory intervention was necessary to ensure their protection. It urged the court to impose restrictions on social media use for children under the age of 16.
The court issued notices to the PTA, the law ministry and other respondents, directing them to submit their replies before the next hearing.
