LHC seeks govt response on plea seeking to ban social media for under-16s

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday asked the federal government and relevant authorities to submit their responses to a petition calling for a ban on social media usage by children below the age of 16.

The petition was heard by LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum and was filed by Aliya Saleem and others through Advocate Shiza Qureshi. During the hearing, Justice Neelum noted that the issue was significant in nature and involved policymaking, which should be addressed by the government.

Representing the petitioners, the counsel argued that social media platforms were having a damaging impact on the mental, moral, and academic development of children. The lawyer also pointed out that several developed countries were considering or implementing similar restrictions.

The court was informed that Australia had imposed a ban on social media use by minors in December 2025, while countries such as France, Norway, Malaysia, and New Zealand were in the process of introducing related legislation.

The petitioner requested the court to direct authorities to prohibit social media access for children under the age of 16. In response, Justice Neelum instructed a law officer to obtain directions from the government and submit a report by February 16.

Earlier this month, several senators, including Falak Naz, Fawzia Arshad, Aimal Wali Khan, Saadia Abbasi, and Dilawar Khan, also urged closer monitoring of social media use by children under 18. Chairing the session, Senator Sherry Rehman emphasized the need for safeguards and proposed the formation of a special committee in coordination with relevant ministries.

Previously, in September, the LHC had issued notices to the federal government and other respondents regarding a separate petition seeking a ban on Facebook and TikTok for children.