The UAE cabinet has approved a resolution setting the minimum age for children to access and use social media platforms to 15, becoming the first Arab country to introduce such a measure, Reuters reported.Under the new rules, children under 15 will not be allowed to create or operate personal social media accounts and will face restrictions on access to certain platform features.These include age-appropriate content restrictions, controls on interactions with unknown users, limits on screen time and usage, and parental monitoring tools designed to enhance online safety.These measures aim to create a digital environment more suitable for younger users while reducing potential risks associated with social media use.Emirati children spend about three hours a day on social media platforms, according to a 2024 survey cited by Khaleej Times, highlighting the growing role these services play in their daily lives.The UAE joins a growing number of countries, including the UK, Australia and Malaysia, in regulating children’s use of social media.The government said social media companies will have a transition period of up to 12 months to comply with the new standards.The phased rollout will be coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure technical and regulatory readiness.The move is aimed at strengthening the protection of children in digital spaces and regulating their interactions with social media platforms, as teenagers spend more time online and there are growing concerns about their exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying and privacy risks.
