LHC hears petition to ban social sedia for children under 16
Pakistan
Lahore High Court hears petition to ban social media for children under 16, citing mental, moral, and educational harm; PTA and Law Ministry asked for responses by Feb 10.
LAHORE - The Lahore High Court heard a petition seeking a ban on social media use for children under 16.
The hearing was presided over by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, who summoned responses from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the Ministry of Law and Justice, and other relevant authorities.
The petition was filed by an eighth-grade student, Alia Saleem, represented by Shiza Qurashi Advocate.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that social media platforms, including TikTok, have adverse effects on children’s mental, moral, and educational development.
She emphasized that it is the state’s responsibility to protect children’s fundamental rights and urged a ban on social media usage for children under sixteen.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum described the matter as sensitive and instructed all parties to submit detailed responses by February 10.
LHC orders action against malicious social media campaign targeting judiciary
She noted that the issue should also be considered at the government policy level, highlighting the broader need for regulation of children’s access to social media.
