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UAE considers phased rules to protect children on social media
Authorities aim to set clear rules for service providers, form a compliance mechanisms, and makes sure age-appropriate access
- PUBLISHED: Sun 15 Feb 2026, 6:37 PM
As more countries worldwide move to curb social media access for children, the UAE is taking crucial steps to protect kids and support their balanced development in the digital world.
Authorities plan to gradually introduce rules to protect children online as they examine the adoption of a phased, risk-based approach starting with social media platforms and later covering other digital services. The initiative aims to set clear rules for service providers, form a compliance mechanisms, and makes sure age-appropriate access suitable for their age.
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The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council on Sunday discussed regulating children's use of social media platforms and considered it as a top priority. During the meeting the Council emphasised a comprehensive national framework for social media and other digital services.
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Officials discussed the growing impact of social media on family relationships and the quality of communication within homes. Authorities are studying how social media is affecting children's cognitive and developmental growth, including focus, attention, time management, and language skills.
To address these challenges, families will receive practical tools for guidance and supervision to promote healthy digital habits and responsible technology use.
Child development and mental health experts will offer guidance and support. Public awareness campaigns will also encourage responsible use of digital technology. According to the Council, different government sectors, including education, health, security, and media, will work together to make these plans effective.
Education policies and school programmes are being unified under a national framework. Standardised tests, including Arabic language assessments, will help identify children who need extra support early. Updates to Arabic language and Islamic studies programmes will strengthen basic skills and reflect national values and identity.
In December 2025, the UAE Government issued a law on child digital safety, aimed at protecting from harmful digital content and practices that negatively affect their physical, psychological, and moral well-being.
The law applies to internet service providers and digital platforms, whether operating within the UAE or targeting users within the UAE. Digital platforms covered by the law include: websites, search engines, smart applications, messaging applications, forums, online gaming platforms, social media platforms, live streaming platforms, podcast platforms, streaming services, online video-on-demand platforms, and e-commerce platforms.
Rather than stepping in after harm occurs, the UAE's Child Digital Safety Law is designed to intervene much earlier — reshaping how platforms are built, how content is filtered, and how children are treated online based on their age. The shift is less about punishment and more about prevention, placing responsibility on systems rather than on children or parents.
A child under 18 is no longer meant to encounter the same online environment as an adult by default. Platforms are required to recognise age differences and adjust content, features and protections accordingly.
The law also places firm limits on how children’s data can be used. Features involving betting, gambling or money-based game mechanics must not be accessible to children at all. For families, this means safety is meant to be embedded into the platform itself.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.
