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Punjab Assembly Passes Resolution to Restrict Social Media for Children Under 16
The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution seeking a ban on social media accounts for children under 16, calling for coordinated legislation to ensure child protection.

On Tuesday, the Punjab Assembly approved a resolution aimed at banning social media access for individuals under the age of 16. This legislation seeks to restrict the creation of social media accounts for minors, citing concerns about the risks associated with online engagement.
The resolution was introduced by Sarah Ahmad, the chairperson of the Child Protection Bureau, and was initially submitted to the assembly in July. It emphasizes the need for effective regulations to safeguard children from potential online harms.
The resolution calls for coordinated efforts between federal and provincial institutions to establish a legal framework for enforcing the ban. This includes the implementation of age verification mechanisms to ensure that these regulations are upheld.

In discussions surrounding the resolution, members of the assembly expressed the growing concern over the exposure of children to inappropriate content on social media platforms. They highlighted that current measures do not adequately protect minors from online dangers.
While the resolution has passed, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of existing age verification measures. Reports indicate that despite legal obligations to restrict underage access to social media, many minors continue to engage with these platforms.
As this resolution progresses, it remains to be seen how the provincial government will implement the required legislation and whether it will effectively reduce minors' access to social media. Stakeholders are urging prompt action to address these issues.