The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced new rules restricting children under the age of 15 from creating or using personal social media accounts as part of efforts to improve online safety for young users.Under the new regulation, social media platforms have been given 12 months to identify and remove accounts belonging to children below the approved age limit.
Platforms that fail to comply could face restrictions or penalties.The UAE government said the decision is aimed at protecting children from risks linked to social media use, including exposure to harmful content, unsafe interactions with strangers, excessive screen time, and concerns over personal data privacy.
Teenagers aged 15 and 16 will still be allowed to use social media, but with additional safety measures. These include stronger content filters, screen-time controls, and restrictions on communication with unknown users.The move places the UAE among a growing number of countries introducing stricter rules around children’s access to digital platforms, as governments continue to debate how best to balance online protection with young people’s freedom to connect.
While supporters believe the regulation will help protect minors from online dangers, critics have raised concerns about enforcement challenges and the possible impact on young people’s social interactions.The announcement has also sparked discussions in other countries, including Nigeria, where some social media users have called for similar measures to protect children in the digital space.
