LHC approaches over ban on social media apps for underage users
File Photo
File Photo
(Web Desk): A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court seeking a ban on Facebook and TikTok for children under 16.

The petition was filed through Advocate Rana Sikandar, in which the Punjab government and other institutions have been made parties.

The petition has taken the stand that children below the age of 16 are exposed to inappropriate and immoral content on social media platforms, especially Facebook and TikTok, which is having a negative impact on their education and mental development. According to the petitioner, children are becoming addicted to immoral activities under the influence of such content, which may prove detrimental to their personality and social role in the future.

Advocate Rana Sikandar said in his petition that the content available on platforms like Facebook and TikTok is distracting children from educational activities and wasting their energy. Due to excessive use of these platforms, young children are not only wasting time but are also inclined towards immoral tendencies.

The petitioner informed the court that several countries, including Australia and France, have banned the use of Facebook and TikTok by children below the age of 16 in their parliaments to protect children from mental, moral and educational harm. Despite this, no such measure has been implemented in Pakistan yet.

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It was further said that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has also not taken any effective steps to secure the future of children and protect their education and training from harm. The petition has urged the court to order the government to enact legislation regarding the use of Facebook and TikTok by children below the age of 16 and to formulate clear rules in this regard.

The petition also states that immediate steps are essential to prevent social deterioration and educational degradation, as children are the most affected in the current situation of social media platforms. The court has been appealed to deal with the matter on priority basis and issue strict orders to protect future generations.