Western nations are enforcing strict social media bans for children under 16, while Pakistan remains silent. As global concerns grow over screen addiction and child safety, Pakistan’s inaction risks long-term consequences.
By Imran Malik l MediaBites l Dec. 10, 2025
Are we — and our children — really at that level of morality where we don’t need a ban on social media for kids under 16?
Honestly, we never even thought about it.
We hand a mobile phone to a 2–to 3-year-old just to keep them quiet.
We show endless reels to toddlers because “it helps us manage them.”
We give 11–12-year-olds their own smartphones because “school might need it,” but we ignore how badly it affects their mind, behaviour and upbringing.
And then comes the shock:
Western countries are now doing what we, as a Muslim society, never even discussed — they are banning social media for children.
Australia took the biggest step.
They stood up to the world’s largest tech giants and banned social media for everyone under 16.
So the question is:
If they can do it, why can’t we?
Australia becomes the first country to block social media for children under 16
SYDNEY — Australia on Wednesday became the world’s first country to enforce a nationwide ban on social media use for all children under the age of 16, blocking access to TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Threads, X and other major platforms.
Under the landmark law passed in late 2024, tech companies must verify age and restrict minors’ access or face penalties of up to A$49.5 million. The move follows rising concerns about the impact of early social media exposure on children’s mental health, attention span, privacy and safety.
The ban is already drawing international attention as governments worldwide confront the growing influence of digital platforms on young users.
Other nations follow with stricter rules and age limits
Australia is not alone. Several countries across Europe and Asia are tightening restrictions as scientific evidence links excessive screen time with behavioural issues, anxiety, depression and exposure to harmful content.
Britain has introduced tougher standards under the Online Safety Act, requiring platforms to block minors from harmful material, though a formal minimum age has not been set.
Denmark recently approved a ban for children under 15, allowing limited parental exemptions for those aged 13 and 14.
France now requires parental consent for minors under 15 to create accounts, though implementation challenges remain.
Germany restricts social media use for ages 13 to 16 unless parents provide consent.
Italy requires parental approval for children under 14.
Malaysia announced a nationwide under-16 social media ban starting next year.
Norway proposed raising the minimum digital consent age from 13 to 15 and is drafting legislation to set a firm age limit.
China enforces “minor mode” restrictions that limit screen time and content based on age.
Across the European Union, lawmakers recently recommended a uniform minimum age of 16 for social media access across member states.
Even in the United States, where free speech protections complicate regulation, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act prohibits collecting data from children under 13, and multiple states have proposed laws requiring parental consent for minors.
And Pakistan? Not even a debate.
While countries with far stronger institutions move to protect their young users, Pakistan remains without a policy framework, a parliamentary debate or national guidelines for parents.
Smartphones are routinely handed to toddlers as entertainment tools. Preteens navigate social media with minimal supervision. Schools seldom provide digital literacy, and the government has yet to acknowledge early social media exposure as a national concern.
Digital rights advocates warn that Pakistan is falling dangerously behind.
“Australia fought tech giants for the sake of children’s mental health,” a child development expert in Islamabad said. “Pakistan hasn’t even started the conversation, let alone drafted the policy.”
With rising screen addiction, cyberbullying, early exposure to adult content, and declining attention spans among young users, experts say Pakistan risks severe long-term consequences if it continues to ignore global trends.
If the world can take action, why can’t we?
As nations raise age limits, introduce parental consent laws and restrict harmful content, Pakistan’s children face the digital world without guardrails.
The question now is not why Western societies acted, but why Pakistan — despite its cultural emphasis on morality, family values and protection of youth — refuses to confront the issue.
If they can do it, why can’t we?
