Social media was once celebrated as the great equaliser of the digital age, being a space where knowledge could travel without borders, families could remain connected across continents, and young minds could access opportunities unimaginable to previous generations. That promise has faded in today's digital world. For millions of children, social media is no longer just a communication tool but an algorithm-driven system built to capture attention and maximise engagement. With rising concerns over mental health, exploitation, misinformation and addiction, governments are rethinking the balance between digital freedom and child protection. Pakistan now faces the same question: whether children under sixteen have the maturity to safely navigate platforms designed to keep them constantly engaged. Protecting childhood is not a restriction on freedom but an investment in the nation's future. Pakistan should therefore consider introducing a legal framework that limits social media access for under-16s while preserving access to educational and other beneficial digital resources.

The case for age restrictions is supported not only by cultural concerns but also by an expanding body of international research. Digital platforms expose adolescents to endless streams of curated content that often encourage unhealthy social comparison, unrealistic beauty standards, and the pursuit of online validation through likes and followers. According to UNICEF's 2025 report, Childhood in a Digital World: Screen Time, Digital Skills and Mental Health, internet access among children has expanded dramatically over the past two decades, making digital exposure nearly universal for teenagers. The US Surgeon General's 2023 Advisory on Social Media and Youth........

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