The UAE Cabinet has issued a new resolution regulating children’s access to social media platforms, setting 15 as the minimum age for use.
Gold 101.3 FM, the No.1 radio station in the UAE, reports that social media companies will be given a transitional period of up to 12 months to gradually implement the new standards in coordination with relevant authorities, ensuring both technical and regulatory readiness.
The move comes amid growing concerns over children’s increasing use of social media and the risks associated with it, including exposure to inappropriate content, unsafe interactions, excessive screen time, and the collection of personal data. The government emphasized the need for a comprehensive national framework that allows children to benefit from technology while ensuring their safety in the digital space.
Under the new resolution, children under the age of 15 are strictly prohibited from creating or using personal social media accounts or accessing full platform features, while those aged between 15 and 16 will be allowed regulated access with safeguards such as age-appropriate content classification, restricted interactions, controlled usage time, and mandatory parental controls. Social media platforms are also required to implement accurate age verification systems, actively monitor non-compliant accounts, and take immediate action to enforce these rules.
