RismadarVoice Reporters, June 19, 2026
The United Arab Emirates has announced a nationwide ban on social media use by children under the age of 15 as part of efforts to strengthen online safety and protect minors from digital risks.
Under a new cabinet resolution, social media platforms operating in the UAE will be required to identify, monitor, and deactivate accounts belonging to users below the age of 15. Companies that fail to comply may face regulatory sanctions, including warnings, operational restrictions, or possible blocking within the country.
Authorities have granted social media companies a 12-month transition period to fully implement the new requirements.
The policy expressly prohibits children under 15 from creating, managing, or operating personal social media accounts. While teenagers aged 15 and 16 will still be allowed access to social media platforms, they will be subject to stricter safeguards, including enhanced monitoring, content controls, and limits on platform usage.
Government officials said the decision was prompted by growing concerns over the impact of social media on young people, particularly issues relating to mental health challenges, cyberbullying, online addiction, exposure to harmful content and online predators, as well as declining physical activity among children.
The UAE government noted that the move aligns with a growing international trend toward stronger regulation of children’s online activities. Similar restrictions have recently been introduced or proposed in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
The resolution also places responsibility on parents and guardians to ensure compliance with the new rules. However, authorities clarified that parental consent will not exempt underage children from the restriction, making the ban mandatory regardless of family approval.
In addition, regulatory agencies have been empowered to take enforcement actions against non-compliant digital platforms. Such measures may include administrative penalties, service restrictions, or partial and full platform blocking where necessary.
According to UAE authorities, the broader objective of the policy is to create a safer digital environment for children while ensuring that technology companies adopt stronger accountability measures and child-protection safeguards across their platforms.
