A legal notice was served to the Bangladesh government on Thursday, demanding a total ban on social media use for children under the age of 16. The notice aimed at protecting the physical and mental well-being of minors, was issued by Barrister Sanaullah Noori on behalf of the Legal Voice Foundation.
The notice was formally sent to the Secretary of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, the Secretary of the ICT Division, and the Chairman of the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC). The government has been given 15 days to respond and implement age-based restrictions or effective monitoring systems on digital platforms. Failure to act within this timeframe will result in further legal proceedings in the High Court, the lawyer warned.
According to the legal document, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have become major sources of concern for the younger generation. The notice argues that cyber addiction is depriving children of their natural childhood, leading to severe academic and health repercussions. By spending excessive hours on digital screens, minors are losing interest in physical sports and real-world social interactions.
The notice further highlights the risks associated with misinformation, online propaganda, and easy access to inappropriate content. These factors are cited as significant contributors to the rise of juvenile delinquency and the emergence of "teen gangs" across the country. Barrister Noori emphasized that many parents currently struggle to supervise their children`s internet usage due to a lack of technical knowledge, making government intervention a necessity.
This legal move comes amid global debates regarding the impact of social media on adolescent brain development. Legal experts suggest that while technology is essential, the lack of a minimum age enforcement mechanism in Bangladesh leaves minors vulnerable to cyber threats and psychological distress. The Legal Voice Foundation maintains that a strictly enforced age limit is the only way to safeguard the future of the nation`s youth.
