Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday sought replies from the federal government and other authorities regarding a petition requesting a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16.
The petition, filed by Aliya Saleem and others through Advocate Shiza Qureshi, was heard by LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, who observed that the matter is important and constitutes a policy issue that should be addressed by the government.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that social media is causing serious harm to the mental, moral, and educational development of children. She added that several developed countries are considering similar restrictions, noting that Australia imposed a ban on children’s social media use in December 2025, while France, Norway, Malaysia, and New Zealand are in the process of legislating on the matter.
Qureshi requested the court to order a ban on social media use for children under 16 years of age.
Justice Neelum directed a law officer to seek instructions from the government and submit a report by February 16.
Earlier this month, senators Falak Naz, Fawzia Arshad, Aimal Wali Khan, Saadia Abbasi, and Dilawar Khan had called for monitoring social media use by children under 18. Presiding over the sitting, Senator Sherry Rehman emphasized the need for checks and suggested forming a special committee to develop safeguards in consultation with relevant ministries.
In September 2025, the LHC had also issued notices to the federal government and other respondents on a petition seeking a ban on Facebook and TikTok for children.
