UAE sets 15 as minimum age for social media use, first Arab nation to impose rule

The UAE Cabinet has approved a resolution setting 15 as the minimum age for children to access and use social media platforms, becoming the first Arab country to introduce such a measure, news agency Reuters reported.Under the new regulations, children below 15 years of age will not be allowed to create or operate personal social media accounts and will face restrictions on access to certain platform features.These include age-appropriate content restrictions, controls on interactions with unknown users, limits on screen time and usage duration, as well as parental supervision tools designed to enhance online safety.The measures are intended to create a digital environment better suited to younger users while reducing potential risks associated with social media use.According to a 2024 survey cited by Khaleej Times, children in the UAE spend about three hours a day on social media platforms, highlighting the growing role these services play in their daily lives.The UAE joins a rising number of countries that have moved to regulate children’s access to social media, including the UK, Australia and Malaysia.The government said social media companies will be given a transition period of up to 12 months to comply with the new standards.The phased rollout will be carried out in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure technical and regulatory preparedness.The move is aimed at strengthening safeguards for children in the digital space and regulating their engagement with social media platforms, as youngsters spend increasing amounts of time online and concerns rise over their exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying and privacy risks.