Punjab Assembly member Sarah Ahmad submitted a resolution on July 16, 2026, to restrict social media access for children under 16 [1].
The proposal marks a significant attempt by provincial authorities to regulate digital spaces for minors. If passed, the measure would create a legal framework to limit the exposure of young teenagers to online platforms within the Punjab province [1, 2].
The resolution was presented in the Punjab Assembly in Lahore [2, 3]. According to the proposal, the primary objective is to protect children from the harmful effects associated with social media use [1].
Lawmakers are focusing on the age of 16 as the critical threshold for restriction [1]. The move follows growing global concerns regarding the impact of algorithmic feeds and unregulated content on adolescent mental health and safety.
While the resolution has been submitted, the assembly must still debate and vote on the measure before it can be implemented. The proposal suggests that the restriction is necessary to shield young users from content that could be detrimental to their development [1].
Sarah Ahmad said the assembly should adopt the ban to ensure a safer digital environment for the youth [2]. The resolution specifically targets users under 16 years old [1].
“Punjab Assembly member Sarah Ahmad submitted a resolution on July 16, 2026, to restrict social media access for children under 16”
This resolution reflects a growing trend of legislative intervention in the digital lives of minors, mirroring similar age-verification and restriction debates in other global jurisdictions. If adopted, it would place the Punjab province at the forefront of regional efforts to legally mandate a digital age limit, shifting the responsibility of content moderation from platforms to provincial law.
