A formal petition has been submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) concerning the accessibility of media platforms aimed at children who have not yet reached adulthood. The petitioner urges the court to take decisive action to restrict the use of social media applications by individuals under the age of 16. They encourage concerns about the potential negative effects of social media on young people’s mental health and overall well-being. The petitioner argues that the unregulated exposure to various online environments could lead to harmful consequences, and thus, they recommend that the Lahore High Court implement a comprehensive ban on all social media platforms for children below the age of 16.
During the court hearing, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum stated that these issues are quite challenging. She acknowledged that families are experiencing difficulties because of them. The individual who initiated the court case expressed that many outcomes are possible. They pointed out that social media plays a significant role in children’s lives, as kids can easily access platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
Social media significantly influences how kids spend their time. It affects the time they spend with friends, the time they dedicate to their homework, and even their leisure activities. Certain trends on social media can alter kids’ behavior and negatively affect their self-esteem. This can harm their academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. The petition emphasizes the urgent need to find ways to protect children from the harmful effects of social media, and we must take action now.
The court is taking its time to make a decision. They believe it is important to establish a fair policy. The court has requested input from relevant organizations, such as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and other involved departments, before proceeding with the case. The court wants to hear the perspectives of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and these departments regarding the matters at hand.
For now, experts are urging calm. There are no new restrictions, and the court is still in the process of reviewing this case, per legal analysts.
