LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday sought replies from the federal government and other authorities on a petition seeking a ban on the use of social media by children under the age of 16.

LHC Chief Justice Aalia Neelum heard the petition filed by Aliya Saleem and others through Advocate Shiza Qureshi on Tuesday.

Justice Neelum observed that it was an important matter and a policy issue that should be addressed by the government.

The counsel for the petitioner contended that social media was causing serious harm to the mental, moral and educational development of children.

The petitioner’s counsel stated that developed countries were also considering restrictions on social media use by underage children.

The lawyer informed the court that Australia imposed a ban on children’s use of social media in December 2025, while France, Norway, Malaysia and New Zealand were in the process of legislating on the matter.

Qureshi asked 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 called for keeping tabs on the use of social media platforms by children under the age of 18.

Presiding over the sitting, Senator Sherry Rehman said some checks were needed and suggested forming a special committee to develop safeguards in consultation with relevant ministries.

In September, the LHC issued notices to the federal government and other respondents on a petition seeking a ban on the use of Facebook and TikTok by children.