LAHORE:
The Lahore High Court on Wednesday accepted a petition seeking restrictions on the use of social media by children below 16 years of age and directed the relevant authorities to submit their responses by February 10.
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition filed by Aalia Saleem, a class 8 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 sensitive nature and required careful consideration. He said the matter also needed attention at the political 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 behavioral influences that could harm their well-being and development. He said existing regulatory mechanisms were insufficient to protect minors from such risks.
The petition argued that safeguarding the fundamental rights of children was the responsibility of the State and that regulatory intervention was necessary to ensure their protection. He urged the court to impose restrictions on the use of social media for children under 16 years of age.
The court issued notices to the PTA, the Ministry of Justice and other respondents, directing them to submit their responses before the next hearing.
