UAE Introduces New Minimum Age Requirement for Social Media Users
DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates has introduced a social media ban for children under 15, joining a growing list of countries including Australia, Britain, and Canada that have taken similar measures.
The cabinet resolution, carried by the official WAM news agency, sets the minimum age for social media use at 15. Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms. Platforms will have a 12‑month transition period to comply, with the media and telecommunications authorities empowered to warn, block, or impose administrative penalties on non‑compliant platforms.
The resolution bars children under 15 from accessing full platform features, including social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing, and joining public groups. For users aged 15‑16, social media access is permitted but with enhanced protective measures such as content restrictions and time limits.
Importantly, parental consent does not constitute a valid exemption, according to the resolution. Parents and caregivers are also responsible for preventing under‑age use or attempts to bypass age checks.
The UAE’s move follows Australia’s world‑first social media ban for under‑16s in December, with Britain announcing a similar ban this week. Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkiye, and several European countries have also imposed restrictions on teen social media use, driven by concerns over mental health, cyber‑bullying, online predators, and addictive behavior.
Critics argue such bans are difficult to enforce, can isolate young people from social connections, and may push undesirable behaviour into less monitored digital spaces. However, the UAE says the resolution is closely aligned with global trends in digital child protection. The country already has strict laws against spreading “rumours” online, with hundreds arrested during the Middle East war for sharing images of attacks.
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