United Arab Emirates bans social media access for children under 15

Thursday 18 June 2026 - 13:15

The United Arab Emirates has announced new restrictions on social media use, setting a minimum age of 15 for access to social networking platforms. The measure places the country among a growing number of nations seeking to strengthen protections for children in the digital environment.

Under the new rules, children under the age of 15 will not be allowed to create, manage, or use personal accounts on social media platforms. Authorities have also introduced a one-year transition period to give technology companies time to adapt their systems and comply with the new requirements.

A central element of the policy is the implementation of effective and reliable age-verification mechanisms. The government has emphasized that platforms will be expected to take concrete steps to prevent underage users from bypassing restrictions. Officials also clarified that parental consent alone will not be sufficient to exempt children from the age requirement.

For teenagers aged 15 and 16, social media access will remain possible, but platforms will be required to apply enhanced safety measures designed to protect younger users from online risks. These safeguards may include stricter privacy settings, greater parental oversight tools, and stronger protections against harmful content.

The decision reflects increasing global concern about the impact of social media on children's mental health, privacy, and online safety. Governments around the world have been debating how to balance the benefits of digital connectivity with the need to protect young users from cyberbullying, misinformation, addictive online behaviors, and inappropriate content.

In recent years, several countries have introduced or proposed similar measures, making youth online safety a major policy issue. The United Arab Emirates joins this international trend by adopting a more regulated approach to children's use of digital platforms.

Authorities have warned that social media companies failing to comply with the new regulations could face restrictions, including partial or complete limitations on their services within the country. The move signals a broader effort by the UAE to strengthen digital governance while promoting a safer online environment for younger generations.

As technology continues to shape daily life, the debate over age limits and online protections is expected to remain a key issue for policymakers, educators, parents, and technology companies worldwide.