Minister Mujtaba Welcomes PA Resolution To Protect Children From Social Media Harms
LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Sep, 2026) Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman here Friday welcomed the Punjab Assembly’s adoption of a resolution calling for stronger safeguards to protect children under 16 from the potential harms of social media.
He stated that setting a minimum age for social media accounts, establishing an effective age-verification mechanism, and introducing legislation to promote safe internet use had become an urgent necessity.
The Provincial Minister explained that the resolution presented in the Punjab Assembly recommended that the Federal government take measures to ensure the cybersecurity of children under 16 years. It called for comprehensive legislation to protect children from cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, inappropriate and harmful content, and other digital risks.
Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman noted that while social media and modern technology offer children valuable opportunities for education, information access, research, and creative expression, their use should be age-appropriate and guided by genuine needs.
He advised children to:
- Encourage positive and constructive activities on social media.
- Remain cautious of suspicious links and inappropriate content.
- Avoid unnecessary sharing of personal information, photographs, or private details online.
The Provincial Minister emphasized the importance of educating children about potential risks associated with social media, alongside safeguarding their physical health and ensuring their education and upbringing. He urged parents and teachers to foster open and trusting relationships with children so they can seek help without hesitation in cases of cyberbullying, harassment, blackmail, or any suspicious online activity.
He also stressed the need for teaching children about respect for others' rights and dignity, both in real life and in the digital space, where responsible and ethical conduct is mandatory.
Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman noted that the Punjab Assembly resolution highlighted the need for awareness campaigns targeting parents, teachers, and children on safe and responsible internet use. The media, he added, could play a crucial role in raising awareness about digital safety, online privacy, and responsible social media use.
He concluded that protecting children’s digital future requires collective efforts from state institutions, parents, teachers, educational institutions, the media, and technology platforms. The Provincial Minister praised the Punjab Assembly for taking a positive parliamentary step by bringing this important issue into the national discourse through the resolution.