Dubai launches initiative to protect more than 5,000 children online after UAE bans social media for children under 15

To step up efforts to provide safer digital spaces for children, Dubai has launched a new nationwide initiative aimed at promoting healthy use of technology among young people and supporting parents in coping with the challenges of the digital age.On Thursday, Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA) launched the “Children’s Right to a Balanced Digital Life” program in partnership with Digital Dubai and Sage Clinics.The initiative is part of Digital Dubai’s wider digital balance plan and was launched under the UAE’s Year of the Family campaign.The program aims to directly benefit more than 5,000 children in its first year, while training more than 480 teachers and engaging more than 1,000 parents through awareness-raising workshops and educational activities.The authorities also plan to recruit and train more than 300 youth ambassadors, known as “Friends of Children’s Rights,” who will help spread awareness of responsible digital behavior among their peers.Officials said the initiative aims to create a preventive framework that safeguards children’s well-being and rights in an increasingly digital world. It aims to provide families, educators and young people with the tools they need to ensure safe and balanced use of technology while promoting healthy online habits.Reem Al Awabed, Director of CDA’s Community Programs Department, said: “We believe that protecting children in digital environments is a shared responsibility.”She added that the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthening children’s rights and creating safer digital experiences through awareness and education.The plan comes amid growing global concern about the impact of excessive screen time, social media exposure and unsafe online interactions on children’s psychological and social well-being.Dr. Mahmoud Al Ali, managing partner at Sage Clinics, said digital balance should not be confused with a complete rejection of technology.“Digital balance does not mean rejecting technology, but rather helping children and families use technology in ways that support their well-being and growth while promoting healthy relationships,” he said.The initiative will focus on improving children’s psychological and social well-being while strengthening family cohesion and helping families adapt to rapid technological and social changes, authorities said.

UAE tightens social media rules for minors

The measure comes shortly after the UAE announced one of the region’s strictest measures to protect children online, setting a minimum age of 15 for using social media.Under the new regulations, children under the age of 15 will be prohibited from creating, using or operating personal social media accounts. They are not allowed to post content, comment, share material on social media platforms or join public groups.Teens aged 15 and 16 can only use social media with enhanced safeguards, including age-appropriate content controls, limits on interactions with strangers, screen time management tools and parental supervision features.The rules will apply to all social media platforms operating in the UAE, which will need to implement strong age verification systems, including digital identity checks and artificial intelligence-powered technology. Self-declared age information will not be accepted.The UAE government said the measures aim to protect children from inappropriate content, online risks, excessive use of social media and misuse of personal data. Social media companies have up to 12 months to comply with the new requirements.The move makes the UAE the first Arab country to introduce a nationwide minimum age limit for social media use, with Australia and several European countries recently tightening rules over concerns about online safety and the impact of social media on young people’s mental health.