Punjab Assembly Resolution Proposes Parental Consent for Social Media Use by Children Under 16

A resolution submitted to the Punjab Assembly has proposed restricting children under the age of 16 from creating or using social media accounts without parental consent.

According to publicly available reports, the resolution urges the federal government to introduce legislation aimed at strengthening online protections for minors.

What Does the Resolution Propose?

The proposal recommends that children under 16 should only be allowed to create or use social media accounts with the permission of a parent or legal guardian.

Supporters say the measure is intended to provide stronger safeguards for young internet users.

Why Has the Proposal Been Introduced?

The resolution cites several online risks faced by minors, including:

• Cyberbullying
• Online exploitation
• Exposure to harmful content
• Digital addiction
• Online safety concerns

Lawmakers believe updated legal protections are needed as social media platforms continue to play a growing role in children's education, communication, and entertainment.

Current Status

The proposal has been submitted to the Punjab Assembly and calls on the federal government to consider introducing relevant legislation.

At this stage, the resolution has not become law, and any policy changes would require further legislative review and approval.

Growing Global Debate

Many countries are reviewing policies related to children's online safety, digital privacy, and age verification as governments seek to balance child protection, parental involvement, and digital rights.

The proposal reflects Pakistan's ongoing discussion about creating a safer digital environment for young internet users.

Conclusion

The proposed resolution highlights increasing attention to online child safety in Pakistan. Whether or not it becomes law, it has contributed to a broader conversation about protecting minors while ensuring responsible access to digital platforms.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports. The proposal remains under consideration and has not been enacted into law.