The Punjab Assembly passed a resolution Tuesday demanding a total ban on social media access for children under 16, citing concerns over mental health and exposure to “inappropriate content.”
Lawmakers across party lines voiced support for the motion, arguing that unregulated screen time is fueling a rise in depression and behavioral issues among the youth. While the resolution is non-binding, it signals a significant shift in how provincial legislators view digital platforms.
The move follows rising pressure from parents and educators who claim current parental control tools are ineffective against the sophisticated algorithms used by major platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
“Our children are being exposed to content that is fundamentally changing their psychological development,” said a provincial minister during the debate. He stopped short of detailing how the government intends to enforce such a restriction, leaving the technical feasibility of the proposal in question.
Critics of the resolution argue that a blanket ban is impractical and ignores the educational benefits of the digital landscape. Tech policy analysts point out that enforcing age-gating requires cooperation from tech giants—companies that have historically resisted government-mandated access restrictions in the region.
The resolution now moves to the provincial cabinet, which will decide whether to draft legislation or lobby the federal government for broader regulatory changes.
For now, the decision remains a statement of intent rather than law. Whether the government can move from rhetoric to a functional digital policy remains the primary hurdle for the proponents of the ban.
