UAE bans social media for under-15s

The United Arab Emirates has enacted a ban on social media for all individuals under the age of 15, a move that places it among a growing number of nations implementing similar restrictions. This decision, formalized by a cabinet resolution, mandates that social media platforms actively monitor and disable accounts created by those younger than 15. Failure to comply could result in platforms being blocked.

“

The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years.

The resolution, as reported by the official WAM news agency, establishes 15 years as the minimum age for social media engagement. Children below this threshold are explicitly prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on these platforms. This measure follows similar actions taken by countries such as Australia, which introduced a ban for under-16s, and Britain, which announced its own restrictions this week. Other nations, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, and several European countries, have also tightened controls on teen social media usage, with the UAE being the first in the Arab world to do so.

Concerns driving these bans include the impact on mental health, the prevalence of cyber-bullying, reduced physical activity, and the risks posed by online predators and addictive behaviors. However, critics argue that such bans are difficult to enforce effectively and may limit essential social connections for young people. They also suggest that these restrictions could push online activity into less monitored, "darker" digital spaces.

“

Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms.

The UAE's resolution is described by WAM as being "closely aligned with leading global trends in digital child protection." It restricts children from accessing full platform features, including social interaction, publishing, commenting, and joining public groups. While children aged 15 and 16 are permitted to use social media, they will be subject to enhanced protective measures, such as content restrictions and usage time limits. Media and telecommunications authorities are empowered to take action against non-compliant platforms, including warnings, partial or full blocking, and administrative penalties. The resolution also places responsibility on parents and caregivers to prevent children from circumventing age checks, stating that parental consent is not a valid exemption.

“

The UAE’s resolution is “closely aligned with leading global trends in digital child protection”.