LHC orders govt response on plea to bar social media use for under-16s

The Lahore High Court has asked the federal government and other relevant authorities to provide a response by February 16 on a petition seeking to prohibit the use of social media platforms by children under 16 years of age.

The petition was filed by Aliya Saleem and others through Advocate Shiza Qureshi, who argued before Chief Justice Aalia Neelum that social media use by minors has adverse effects on their mental, moral and educational development.

In court on Wednesday, Qureshi referred to actions by some countries toward restricting under-16s’ access to social media, saying Australia has already imposed a ban and other nations are considering legislation.

Justice Neelum characterised the issue as an important matter requiring government policy input and directed a law officer to obtain instructions from the relevant ministries and authorities before the next hearing.

Senators have also recently called for oversight of social media use by minors, reflecting broader legislative interest in regulating online platforms for young users.