If you often find yourself unsure about what your child is doing online, now you’re legally required to know. In the UAE, parents must actively monitor their children’s digital activity under the new Child Digital Safety Law (CDS Law). This law places responsibility on parents and caregivers. It’s no longer just advice, but a legal obligation.
From monitoring what their children are exposed to, to managing screen time, the law ensures that parents have a key role in protecting their children’s online privacy and well-being. This article serves as a helpful guide, providing essential tips on how to comply with the new law and protect children’s safety in the digital world.
Essential Steps for Parents Under the Child Digital Safety Law
To help you navigate the responsibilities, here are key steps you can take, organized into three main areas: monitoring and oversight, safety and protection, and education and communication.
1. Monitoring and Oversight
- Monitor online activity regularly
Actively check your child’s internet use, including websites visited, social media interactions, and the games they play. - Ensure that age verification is completed
Verify age before your child uses platforms like social media, gaming apps, and online forums.
2. Safety and Protection
- Set up parental controls and content filters
Use built-in parental controls and content filters on devices, apps, and platforms to block inappropriate content and manage screen time. - Limit online data sharing
Review and limit the amount of personal data your child shares online, and ensure they don’t unknowingly share sensitive information like location, school details, or photos. - Report harmful content
If you come across inappropriate content, immediately report it to the relevant authorities or platform administrators.
3. Education and Communication
- Educate your child about digital safety
Teach your child about harmful content and encourage them to speak up if they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable. - Encourage healthy digital habits
Promote a balanced approach to screen time, encourage offline activities, and maintain open communication about their digital experiences.
Age Verification Online Becomes Mandatory in the UAE
Under the new law, platforms and service providers, both local and international, must comply with strict safety standards to protect children. Apps and websites targeting minors are now required to implement age verification to ensure a safer online environment.
One of the first platforms to adopt this measure is Roblox, which now requires age verification before users can access chat features. While this feature has been temporarily disabled in the UAE, it may return once the necessary safeguards are in place.
About Child Digital Safety Law in UAE
The UAE’s Child Digital Safety Law (Federal Decree Law No. 26 of 2025) establishes strict guidelines for platforms accessible in the country. It ensures that children’s personal data is protected by prohibiting the collection, processing, or sharing of data for anyone under 13.
The law also takes steps to protect minors from unsafe online environments by banning participation in online gambling or betting games.
For more details, you can read the Key Takeaways from the Child Digital Safety Law.
