The United Arab Emirates has introduced a ban on social media use for children under the age of 15, joining a growing number of countries implementing similar restrictions. The announcement was made this week as part of the UAE's efforts to protect young users from potential online harms, according to economictimes.indiatimes.com.
The new regulation prohibits children below 15 from accessing social media platforms without parental consent or supervision. Authorities emphasized the importance of safeguarding minors from exposure to inappropriate content and online risks. This move follows similar measures taken by other nations aiming to regulate digital spaces for younger audiences, reflecting increasing global concern over children's online safety.
This ban aligns the UAE with countries that have recently tightened controls on youth social media use, responding to rising awareness of mental health and privacy issues linked to early social media exposure. The policy adds to a wave of regulatory actions worldwide, where governments seek to balance digital innovation with protective frameworks for vulnerable populations. It also signals a shift toward more stringent oversight of social media companies operating in the region.
The UAE’s decision is part of a broader international pattern of social media regulation targeting minors, with several governments announcing comparable age restrictions in recent months. The policy is expected to be enforced through cooperation with platform providers and parental education initiatives, marking a notable step in regional digital governance.