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UAE Makes History As First Arab Country To Ban Social Media Accounts For Children Under 15
The United Arab Emirates has made history as the first Arab country to introduce a complete ban preventing children below the age of 15 from creating personal social media accounts. The new regulation prohibits minors within this age group from opening individual accounts on social networking platforms, with no exceptions granted even where parents or guardians provide consent.
The move marks a significant step in the UAE’s efforts to strengthen child protection in the digital space and address growing concerns over the impact of social media on young users. Authorities have highlighted the need to protect children from potential online risks, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, privacy violations, and other digital challenges.
Unlike many existing age restrictions around the world that allow younger users to access platforms with parental approval, the UAE’s policy removes that option entirely for children under 15. This means that families will not be able to authorize the creation of personal social media profiles for children below the specified age limit.
The decision has attracted global attention as governments continue to debate how best to balance children’s access to technology with their safety and well-being. With social media becoming increasingly influential in shaping young people’s experiences, the UAE’s approach represents one of the strictest measures adopted by any country so far.
Supporters of the policy argue that children need stronger safeguards against the negative effects associated with unrestricted online exposure. They believe delaying independent social media use until a later age can help young people develop healthier digital habits and improve their protection against online threats.
However, the regulation is also expected to generate discussions among parents, educators, and technology experts about enforcement, digital literacy, and how young people can responsibly engage with online platforms. As countries worldwide search for solutions to online safety concerns, the UAE’s decision could influence future policies in other regions.
