The Lahore High Court (LHC) has sought replies from the federal government and other authorities on a petition seeking ban on social media for children under the age of 16.
As per the details, the petition, filed by Aliya Saleem and others through Advocate Shiza Qureshi, was heard by LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum on Tuesday.
Justice Neelum described the matter as important and noted that it raised broader policy questions that should be addressed by the government.
The petitioner’s counsel argued that social media was causing serious harm to the mental, moral and educational development of children.
Qureshi added that several developed countries were considering or imposing restrictions on social media for underage users.
The lawyer informed the court that Australia imposed a ban on children’s use of social media in December 2025, while countries including France, Norway, Malaysia and New Zealand were in the process of legislating on the matter.
Earlier this month, senators Falak Naz, Fawzia Arshad, Aimal Wali Khan, Saadia Abbasi and Dilawar Khan also highlighted the need to monitor social media for children under 18.
Senator Sherry Rehman also emphasised the importance of safeguards and suggested forming a special committee in consultation with relevant ministries to address the issue.