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UAE's under-15s social media policy to help parents who faced 'almost impossible job', expert says
AE🏛️ Politics11 days ago

UAE's under-15s social media policy to help parents who faced 'almost impossible job', expert says

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new social media policy setting the minimum age for using social media platforms at 15, aiming to address concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children's development. The policy, developed with input from experts like Luna El Khaldy, a digital well-being and parenting specialist, includes safeguards for teenagers aged 15 and 16. The measure applies initially to major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, Snapchat, and TikTok, with a one-year transition period for implementation. Experts highlight the challenges children face in managing digital environments that stimulate their brains intensely while their emotional and cognitive abilities are still developing. The policy is seen as providing much-needed support to parents who have struggled to manage their children's exposure to technology in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has enacted a comprehensive policy banning children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, marking a significant step in global efforts to address the challenges posed by digital spaces for minors. This decision, approved by the UAE Cabinet on June 18, 2026, prohibits children under 15 from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms. The measure applies to all platforms that enable account creation, social interaction, content publication, and those utilizing algorithmic systems to recommend or display content—whether free or paid. The policy aims to establish an "advanced model for child protection in the digital space," emphasizing the balance between responsible technology use and safeguarding children's well-being.

The UAE's move aligns with a growing trend among nations worldwide to impose stricter regulations on social media use by minors. Countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and France have either introduced or are considering similar measures. Australia was the first nation to implement a nationwide ban, prohibiting children under 16 from holding social media accounts, with potential fines for non-compliant platforms. Indonesia followed suit, deactivating accounts for children under 16 on major platforms like TikTok and Facebook. Malaysia introduced rules barring children under 16 from having social media accounts, mandating age-verification systems and imposing penalties on non-compliant companies. Meanwhile, the UK announced plans to introduce a ban on social media and live-streaming for children under 16 within a year, echoing the UAE's approach.

The UAE's policy mandates that social media platforms provide robust age-verification mechanisms, including digital identity verification and AI-supported tools such as biometrics. Self-declaration of age will not be considered valid, and platforms must ensure a high level of accuracy in determining user ages while maintaining strict adherence to child privacy and data protection standards. These verification methods will undergo regular reviews and audits. Additionally, platforms are required to monitor and disable accounts created by children under 15 in violation of the new rules. The National Media Authority and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority will oversee compliance, with the Child Digital Safety Council assessing risks and impacts related to children's access to social media.

The UAE's initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including educators, psychologists, and child welfare advocates. Experts argue that the adolescent brain, likened to "a Ferrari engine with bicycle brakes," faces significant challenges in regulating behavior on highly engaging digital platforms. Psychologists emphasize the importance of providing children with respite from algorithm-driven content, allowing them to develop essential cognitive and emotional skills. The policy is seen as a crucial step in addressing issues such as cyberbullying, screen addiction, and exposure to harmful content, offering parents much-needed relief in managing their children's digital experiences.

Reactions to the UAE's policy have varied, reflecting differing perspectives on the role of technology in children's lives. While some experts and parents welcome the move as a necessary intervention, others caution against the potential unintended consequences, such as pushing young users toward less regulated parts of the internet or undermining the development of digital literacy. The implementation of such policies also raises questions about enforcement, particularly regarding the reliability of age-verification systems and the possibility of circumventing restrictions through alternative means. Despite these challenges, the UAE's decision underscores a broader global consensus on the need to prioritize child safety in the digital realm, signaling a pivotal shift in how societies approach the integration of technology into the lives of minors.

14 reports

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenterFactual 95Objective 9015 days ago
UAE moves to ban under-15s from using social media

The UAE has introduced a new regulation banning children under the age of 15 from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms. The rule applies to all platforms within the UAE, including both free and paid services that use algorithms to recommend content. The initiative, approved by the UAE Cabinet and led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, aims to establish an advanced model for child protection in the digital space, balancing responsible technology use with child safety.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual summary of a policy decision without apparent ideological framing. It does not include subjective language, opinion, or selective emphasis that would indicate a political lean. The focus is on the policy itself rather than any political debate surrounding it.

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Highly factual with clear details about the ban on under-15s using social media, citing Reuters. Slightly repetitive but overall accurate. The tone remains neutral and informative.

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenterFactual 95Objective 8515 days ago
UAE bans social media for under-15s: Which countries have similar rules?

The UAE has implemented a ban on social media for individuals under the age of 15, requiring platforms to enforce strict age verification. Children aged 15 and 16 will also face additional safeguards, such as content restrictions, limitations on interacting with strangers, and controls on screen time. This policy aligns the UAE with other nations like Australia and Indonesia, which have introduced similar regulations aimed at protecting minors from potential harms associated with social media.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly favoring any political perspective. It outlines policies enacted by various governments without using biased language or selectively emphasizing certain viewpoints.

Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): This article provides detailed information about the UAE's new social media regulations for under-15s, including specifics about age verification and platform restrictions. It also lists other countries implementing similar laws. The tone is informative but includes some subjective commentary on the

Khaleej Times logoKhaleej TimesParty-alignedCenterFactual 92Objective 8715 days ago
How will social media platforms implement UAE's new under-15 ban?

The article discusses the implementation of the UAE's new regulation banning children under 15 from using social media platforms.

Bias read (Center): The article does not present any overtly biased language, framing, or sourcing. It appears to be a neutral inquiry into the practical aspects of implementing the UAE's new regulation without taking a stance on the policy itself.

Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 87): The article accurately reports on the UAE's proposed ban on children under 15 using social media platforms. It does not make unsupported claims and aligns with the cross-source consensus. The tone is mostly neutral, though it leans slightly toward prompting discussion rather than presenting a strict

Gulf News logoGulf NewsParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 8515 days ago
UAE bans social media for children under the age of 15

The United Arab Emirates has implemented a ban on social media usage for children under the age of 15.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement without opinion, framing, or emphasis that suggests a particular ideological stance. It simply reports the implementation of a policy without commentary or contextualization that would indicate a leaning.

Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): This article clearly states the UAE's new rule banning social media for children under 15. It is brief but factual, providing essential information without additional context or opinion. The tone remains neutral and straightforward.

Khaleej Times logoKhaleej TimesParty-alignedCenterFactual 90Objective 8015 days ago
UAE to ban children under 15 from accessing social media platforms

The United Arab Emirates has announced plans to implement a ban preventing children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement without explicit ideological framing, word-choice, or emphasis that suggests a particular political leaning. It does not include quotes, opinions, or contextual elements that would indicate a slant.

Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): The article accurately summarizes the UAE's new social media ban for under-15s. It focuses on explaining the implications for users and parents. While concise, it lacks depth compared to other sources but maintains a neutral tone overall.

Gulf News logoGulf NewsParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 7515 days ago
How UAE social media ban for children under 15 will work: Everything you must know

The article discusses the implementation of a new social media ban targeting children under the age of 15 in the United Arab Emirates. It outlines the details of the policy, including how it will be enforced and what parents and guardians need to know.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a cultural/national policy related to child protection and does not present any overtly political stance or biased framing. The content appears to be informative and neutral in tone.

Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): The article explains how the UAE's social media ban for under-15s will function. It is factual but includes some explanatory elements that lean slightly toward interpretation rather than strict reporting. The tone is informative but occasionally assumes a perspective on the regulation's benefits.

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 8016 days ago
Children on social media are not users to be monetised

The article discusses growing global efforts to restrict social media access for minors, citing recent policies such as the UK's ban on social media for those under 16 and restrictions on AI chatbots for under-18s. It highlights concerns over algorithmic addiction, cyberbullying, adolescent mental health, and exposure to harmful content. The author notes that these measures represent a shift in media policy, emphasizing child safety and public health rather than solely free expression.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of international policy developments without overtly favoring any particular ideological stance. It references multiple countries' actions and mentions concerns raised by various stakeholders without taking a clear position on the merits of the policies.

Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article accurately reports on the UK's proposed social media restrictions for minors and references global movements. However, it lacks specific details about the UAE's ban, relying on general statements. It remains mostly objective, though the tone leans slightly toward advocacy for regulation.

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenterFactual 80Objective 6014 days ago
I grew up just fine without social media – and so will your child

The UAE Cabinet has announced a ban on social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for children under the age of 15. The article discusses the author's personal experience growing up without social media and argues that children can still have fulfilling lives without these platforms.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a personal perspective on growing up without social media and provides practical alternatives for children. It does not take a clear ideological stance or favor one side over another in terms of policy or politics. The content focuses on cultural and lifestyle aspects ratherthan

Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 60): While the article mentions the UAE's ban on social media for under-15s, it is primarily opinionated, using personal anecdotes and subjective commentary. It lacks detailed factual information beyond the announcement and presents a clear pro-regulation stance.

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenter11 days ago
UAE social media ban will set some much-needed digital boundaries

The UAE has implemented a new regulation restricting children under the age of 15 from accessing popular social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The policy aims to protect minors from potential harms associated with excessive social media use, including issues related to mental health and behavioral development. Educators, psychologists, and specialists have supported the measure, comparing adolescents' brains to 'a Ferrari engine with bicycle brakes,' highlighting their difficulty in regulating behavior on highly engaging digital platforms. The initiative aligns with the UAE's broader focus on child welfare and family protection, particularly emphasized during the Year of the Family. While the policy allows teenagers aged 15 and 16 to use these platforms, it includes safeguards to ensure responsible usage.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the UAE's social media restrictions as a protective measure for children, citing endorsements from educators and specialists. It frames the policy within the context of child welfare and family protection, emphasizing the UAE's values rather than taking a clear ideological stand

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenter14 days ago
UAE's under-15s social media policy to help parents who faced 'almost impossible job', expert says

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new social media policy setting the minimum age for using social media platforms at 15, aiming to address concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children's development. The policy, developed with input from experts like Luna El Khaldy, a digital well-being and parenting specialist, includes safeguards for teenagers aged 15 and 16. The measure applies initially to major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, Snapchat, and TikTok, with a one-year transition period for implementation. Experts highlight the challenges children face in managing digital environments that stimulate their brains intensely while their emotional and cognitive abilities are still developing. The policy is seen as providing much-needed support to parents who have struggled to manage their children's exposure to technology in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about a government policy aimed at regulating social media use by minors, citing expert opinions and data. There is no overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the rationale behind the policy and专家的

Khaleej Times logoKhaleej TimesParty-alignedCenter14 days ago
UAE social media ban: Doctors see children skipping sleep, meals to keep scrolling

The article discusses concerns raised by doctors in the United Arab Emirates regarding the impact of social media on children's health. They report that some children are sacrificing sleep and meals to continue using social media platforms. This behavior has led to worries about potential long-term effects on their physical and mental well-being.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a general concern expressed by medical professionals without taking a clear stance or showing bias toward any particular viewpoint. It does not favor one side over another and simply reports on the observed behaviors and associated health concerns among children related to their

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenter14 days ago
UAE names online platforms included in under-15s social media restrictions

The United Arab Emirates has announced a new policy restricting children under the age of 15 from using major social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, Snapchat, and TikTok. The policy, part of a cabinet resolution, aims to protect minors from online risks like cyberbullying, screen addiction, and exposure to harmful content. A 12-month transition period will allow platforms to adjust their operations to comply with the new rules. Children aged 15 and 16 will still be allowed to use these platforms but under specific safeguards, including content restrictions, limitations on high-risk chat features, time controls, and parental monitoring tools. Enforcement will be handled by the National Media Authority and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, with potential penalties for non-compliant companies.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the policy in a neutral tone, focusing on the stated objectives of protecting minors and outlining the implementation process without overtly favoring any particular ideological stance. It includes direct quotes from government officials and explains both the rationale and the措施

Khaleej Times logoKhaleej TimesParty-alignedCenter18 days ago
Britain announces sweeping social media ban for under-16s by next spring

The article reports that the United Kingdom plans to implement a comprehensive ban on social media usage for children under the age of 16 by the upcoming spring. The measure aims to protect young users from potential online harms such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and mental health issues. The decision reflects growing concerns among policymakers about the impact of digital platforms on youth development. While the specifics of enforcement and exceptions remain unclear, the proposal has sparked discussions about privacy, parental control, and the role of technology in modern education.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the UK government's announcement as a factual update without overtly endorsing or criticizing the policy. It does not emphasize particular ideological perspectives or frame the issue through a specific political lens. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the policy itself and a

The National logoThe NationalParty-alignedCenter18 days ago
Starmer promises parents 'bold action' ahead of expected social media ban for under-16s

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans for 'bold action' to reform online protections for children, including a potential ban on social media for those under 16. This follows a large public consultation where most respondents supported raising the minimum age for social media access to 16. The proposed measures would extend beyond Australia's approach by including restrictions on romantic or sexual AI chatbots and limiting interactions with strangers on gaming platforms. Daily usage limits for under-18s are also being considered.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about policy proposals and public opinion without overtly favoring any side. It includes quotes from officials and mentions public consultation results without editorializing or using biased language.

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