Reuters news agency reported that the UAE Cabinet approved a decision setting 15 years as the minimum age for children to access and use social media platforms, becoming the first Arab country to introduce such a measure.Under the new regulations, children under the age of 15 will not be allowed to create or operate personal accounts on social media, and will face restrictions on accessing certain features of the platform.These include restrictions on age-appropriate content, controls on interactions with unknown users, limits on screen time and usage duration, as well as parental supervision tools designed to promote online safety.These measures aim to create a digital environment more suitable for younger users while reducing potential risks associated with social media use.According to a 2024 survey conducted by Khaleej Times, children in the UAE spend about three hours a day on social media platforms, highlighting the increasing role these services play in their daily lives.The UAE joins a growing number of countries that have moved to regulate children’s access to social media, including the UK, Australia and Malaysia.The government said social media companies will be given a transition period of up to 12 months to comply with the new standards.
The phased implementation will be carried out in coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure technical and organizational readiness.The move aims to strengthen safeguards for children in the digital space and regulate their participation in social media platforms, as young people spend increasing amounts of time online and concerns grow about their exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying and privacy risks.
