LHC seeks replies on plea against use of social media by children under age 16 in Pakistan

2026-01-28 - 10:01

LAHORE – The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday directed the federal government and other relevant authorities to come up with the replies on February 16, 2026 on a plea against use of social media by the children under age 16. LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum passed the order on the petition moved by Aliya Saleem and others through Advocate Shiza Qureshi. The chief justice remarked that it is an important matter and a policy issue that should be addressed by the government. The lawyer who was representing the petitioners argued that the social media was causing serious harm to the mental, moral and educational development of children under age 16. The counsel contended that the developed countries were also considering restrictions on social media use by underage children. The counsel also told the court that Australia imposed a ban on children’s use of social media in December 2025 while France, Norway, Malaysia and New Zealand were in the process of legislating on the matter. Qureshi asked the court to order a ban on social media use for children under 16 years of age. Earlier this month, senators Falak Naz, Fawzia Arshad, Aimal Wali Khan, Saadia Abbasi and Dilawar Khan called for keeping tabs on the use of social media platforms by children under the age of 18. Presiding over the sitting, Senator Sherry Rehman said some checks were needed and suggested forming a special committee to develop safeguards in consultation with relevant ministries. In September, the LHC issued notices to the federal government and other respondents on a petition seeking a ban on the use of Facebook and TikTok by children. The court would take up the matter on February 16. Pakistan cracks down on terrorists’ social media accounts; over 850 reported, hundreds blocked