The Senate of Pakistan has introduced a landmark bill that aims to ban social media use for individuals under the age of 16. The proposed legislation, titled the Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill 2025, is designed to protect children from online harm and ensure greater accountability for tech companies operating in the country.
According to the bill, social media users in Pakistan must be at least 16 years old to create an account. Platforms found violating the rule could face fines ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 million. Individuals who assist minors in bypassing the age requirement could also face up to six months in jail along with similar financial penalties.
The bill grants new powers to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which will be authorized to block underage accounts and take action to prevent future violations.
Age Restrictions on Social Media: A Global Movement
Pakistan joins a growing list of countries that are implementing or proposing age limits for social media use. Nations like Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have already introduced similar safeguards:
- In Australia, legislation now requires parental consent for users under 16.
- New Zealand has proposed tougher regulations to shield minors from harmful online content.
- The UK’s Online Safety Act focuses on ensuring that children are not exposed to explicit or dangerous content on digital platforms.
- In parts of the United States, new laws require age verification and parental approval for underage users.
These international efforts highlight a shared concern about the negative impact of social media on young users and the need for more stringent online protections.
Why Banning Social Media for Under-16s Makes Sense
As social media becomes a bigger part of daily life, concerns are growing over how it affects children and teens. Experts and lawmakers agree that banning access for users under 16 could be a much-needed step to protect their mental and emotional well-being.
Cyberbullying Is a Serious Threat
One of the biggest risks is cyberbullying. Unlike face-to-face bullying, online abuse can happen around the clock and often goes unnoticed by parents or teachers. Victims of cyberbullying may suffer from anxiety, depression, or even self-harm.
Exposure to Harmful Content
There’s also the issue of inappropriate content. Despite platform guidelines, it’s easy for kids to stumble upon violent, sexual, or harmful material online. Exposure to such content at a young age can negatively impact their worldview and self-esteem.
Social Media and Mental Health
Mental health concerns are another major factor. Studies link excessive social media use to sleep problems, stress, and low self-worth—especially among teenagers who are constantly chasing likes or comparing themselves to others online. Many also struggle with social media addiction, often spending hours glued to their screens.
Online Predators and Scams
Then there’s the danger of online predators and scams. Young users are vulnerable to grooming, manipulation, and fraud, often without even realizing it’s happening.
Weak Age Restrictions Aren’t Enough
Most platforms don’t effectively enforce age restrictions, and kids can easily fake their age to sign up. This weak enforcement makes it harder for parents to monitor or control what their children see.
A Safer Start in the Digital World
In short, setting a minimum age of 16 for social media could help reduce these risks. It’s a step many countries are starting to take—and for good reason. Keeping kids off social media a bit longer could mean giving them a safer, healthier start in the digital world.
Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, who co-sponsored the bill alongside Senator Sarmad Ali, emphasized that the legislation is crucial to creating a safer digital environment. “Our children are growing up in a digital world filled with risks,” Ahsan said during the Senate session. “This bill is about protecting them before it’s too late.”
What Comes Next?
The bill will now proceed through the formal legislative process, where it may be debated, revised, or amended before it’s brought to a final vote. If passed, it would mark one of the most significant steps taken by the Pakistani government to regulate online behavior and protect its younger population.
Social media companies, including giants like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), will be expected to comply with the new regulations or face legal and financial consequences.
A Step Toward Safer Digital Spaces
As digital platforms continue to dominate daily life, the need to safeguard young users has never been more urgent. The proposed social media age ban reflects a broader global movement to hold tech companies accountable and put the health and safety of children first.
If approved, Pakistan’s new law could become a model for other countries looking to balance digital freedom with online safety for minors.