UAE looks into framework to regulate children's social media use

The UAE's Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council is working towards establishing a framework that will regulate the use of social media among children. 

Chairing the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Council, stated that regulating children’s use of social media is a national responsibility that requires the development of clear frameworks.

These frameworks, the Chairman emphasised, must match the advanced technological transformations and be solid enough to provide a safe and balanced digital environment for future generations.

Sheikh Abdullah explained that the next step should be carefully evaluated in a phased, risk-based implementation strategy, including the incorporation of age-based access regulations tailored to the distinct needs and developmental stages of younger age groups. 

He further emphasised the need to strengthen community awareness and ensure effective integration among stakeholders in regulating children’s use of social media. This includes coordinated engagement across social, technical, educational, security, media, and health sectors to advance a balanced framework that combines appropriate regulation with empowerment and fosters the responsible use of modern technologies.

The meeting also discussed promoting robust digital safety measures for children, the development of education policies and curricula, and the results of students’ standardised assessments.