The United Arab Emirates has introduced a new resolution restricting social media access for children under the age of 15, in a major step aimed at strengthening online safety and protecting minors in the digital environment.
Approved on June 18, the resolution establishes strict age-based guidelines for social media usage. Under the new rules, children below 15 years of age will be completely prohibited from creating or using personal social media accounts across major platforms.
The policy goes beyond simple account restrictions, as under-15 users will also be barred from accessing core interactive features of social media platforms. This includes posting content, commenting on posts, sharing media, or joining public groups and communities.
Authorities have clarified that parental consent will not serve as an exemption under the new framework. Even with permission from guardians, children under 15 will not be allowed to maintain active social media accounts or engage in platform activities.
For users aged 15 and 16, social media access will remain permitted but under enhanced regulatory safeguards. These additional restrictions are intended to ensure safer usage, limit exposure to harmful content, and promote responsible digital behavior among teenagers.
The UAE government has consistently emphasized the importance of digital wellbeing and online protection for younger users as part of its broader cybersecurity and youth safety strategy. The latest resolution reflects growing global concern over the impact of social media on children’s mental health, privacy, and online exposure.
Officials believe that restricting early access to social platforms will help reduce risks associated with cyberbullying, inappropriate content, data misuse, and excessive screen time. At the same time, the government aims to encourage healthier digital habits and safer internet engagement among youth.
The policy is also expected to prompt social media companies to strengthen age verification systems and improve compliance mechanisms in order to meet the new regulatory requirements. Platforms operating in the UAE may need to introduce stricter identity checks and monitoring tools to enforce the ban effectively.
Digital safety experts view such measures as part of a broader international trend toward tighter regulation of children’s online activity. As governments worldwide respond to growing concerns about online harm, similar policies are being considered or implemented in various regions.
With the new resolution now in effect, the UAE has taken a firm regulatory stance on protecting minors in the digital space, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding children while promoting responsible technology use.
