Why Has UAE Banned Children Under 15 From Using Social Media?
The United Arab Emirates has set a minimum age of 15 for social media use, becoming the first Arab country to introduce such a restriction as governments worldwide seek to address growing concerns over the impact of online platforms on children.
The United Arab Emirates has set a minimum age of 15 for social media use, becoming the first Arab country to introduce such a restriction as governments worldwide seek to address growing concerns over the impact of online platforms on children.
Under a resolution approved on Thursday, children under 15 will be prohibited from creating, using or operating personal social media accounts. The ban means they will not be able to post content, comment, share or join public groups, the government's media office said. List of Countries Banning Social Media for Children.
Teenagers aged 15 and 16 will be allowed to use social media platforms subject to enhanced safeguards, including age-appropriate content controls, restrictions on interaction with unknown users, screen-time management tools and parental supervision features.
Platforms Must Implement Strict Age Verification
The rules apply to all social media platforms operating in the UAE and require companies to implement robust age-verification measures, including digital identity checks and artificial intelligence-supported technologies. Self-declaration of age will not be accepted as a valid form of verification. Why Is UAE Banning Social Media for Children Under 15?
Platforms must also disable accounts created by children under 15, prevent users from circumventing age-verification systems and refrain from using children's personal data for targeted advertising or behavioural profiling.
The government said the measures were designed to address concerns over children's exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe online interactions, excessive social media use and the collection of personal data.
12-Month Compliance Window For Companies
Social media companies will have up to 12 months to comply with the new regulations.
The UAE said the framework aligns with international efforts to strengthen online child protection while balancing digital access with safety.
Several countries, including Australia and others in Europe, have moved to tighten restrictions on children's use of social media amid mounting concerns about its effects on mental health and online safety.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2026 11:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).