Pakistan : Should Youngsters Under 16 be Banned From Social Media

Should Under-16s Be Banned From Social Media? LHC Steps Into the Debate

The digital age is facing a serious reality check in Pakistan’s courts. On Wednesday, the Lahore High Court (LHC) officially took up a petition that could fundamentally change how young teenagers interact with the internet. The goal? A complete ban on social media for anyone under the age of 16.
Presiding over the case, Chief Justice Aalia Neelum recognized the weight of the issue, acknowledging that while the concerns are valid, this is ultimately a public policy matter that the government needs to weigh in on.

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The legal challenge, brought forward by Aliya Saleem and represented by Advocate Shiza Qureshi, isn't just about screen time. The petitioners argue that unrestricted access to social platforms is actively damaging the "mental, moral, and educational" growth of Pakistani youth.
In a world of viral trends and unchecked algorithms, the counsel suggested that the risks to a child’s development are now outweighing the benefits of connectivity.
This isn't just a local concern. During the proceedings, Advocate Qureshi pointed out that Pakistan would hardly be an outlier if it moved forward with these restrictions. The court was briefed on several international precedents:

Australia: Implemented a landmark ban in December 2025.
Europe & Beyond: Countries like France, Norway, and New Zealand are currently drafting or debating similar legislation to protect minors.
Justice Neelum hasn't made a final ruling yet but has demanded a formal response from the federal government and relevant authorities. A law officer has been tasked with gathering the government's stance and returning to the court with a report by February 16.
The Bigger Picture: Challenges of Enforcement While a ban sounds straightforward on paper, it raises significant questions for the Pakistani context. How would platforms verify age without compromising privacy? Would a ban simply drive kids toward VPNs? As the government prepares its report, these are the technical and social hurdles they'll likely have to address.