From screen time to online safety, social media remains a top concern for parents worldwide. The UAE has introduced new age-based restrictions, including a social media ban for children under 15. Here’s what is changing.
Under the new regulations, children under 15 will not be allowed to create personal social media accounts or use the full features of social media platforms. The restrictions cover:
- posting content
- commenting
- sharing content
- joining public groups
Parents’ permission won’t make an exception for their child.
Users aged 15 and 16 can still use social media, but their accounts will have extra safety measures:
- Age-appropriate content classification and restrictions
- Disabling high-risk features
- Controls for screen time
- Parental control tools
How Will Social Media Platforms Verify Your Child’s Age?
At the moment, creating an account on many social media platforms is often as simple as entering a date of birth (with no way to confirm it). Platforms will now need systems that can confirm a child’s actual age and digital identity.
Some online platforms have already started moving in that direction. Roblox, for example, recently introduced identity checks if you want to use chat.
Some apps and websites have already introduced special accounts for children. WhatsApp recently launched parent-managed accounts for children under 13. Roblox also rolled out kids accounts with age-based access and additional safety features.
Now it’s up to social media platforms to adapt to the UAE’s ban on social media access for children under 15. Companies have up to 12 months to introduce the required changes.
Other Countries with Social Media Ban for Kids
The UAE is not the first country to introduce restrictions on children’s social media use. Similar rules have already been introduced in the UK, Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
Behind many of these bans is the same concern: how social media affects children. Excessive use has been linked to anxiety, difficulty focusing, problems at school, and in some cases even speech delays.
The new rule is intended to address some of those concerns. The next 12 months will show how social media platforms adapt to the UAE’s ban for children under 15.
