The United Arab Emirates has approved a new resolution that sets the minimum age of social media use at 15 years, making it the first Arab country to have social media use as a legal age limit and social media protection law in general in a step towards safer online life for young people in the digital age in the country.
Under the new rules, children under 15 can’t start or own their own social media accounts. They are also not allowed to access the key interactive features (posting content, commenting, sharing material, and participating in large public online communities) they need to access.
The legislation is part of the wider Child Digital Safety Law UAE, formally known as Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2025 which came into effect on 1 January 2026. It also lays out a comprehensive framework to protect children from harmful online content, digital exploitation, privacy risks, and inappropriate online interactions.
Why the UAE Introduced the New Rule
As governments across the world are concerned about the long-term effects of social media on young people’s mental health, privacy and overall well-being, social media use by the youth is getting much more serious. Social media use in children has been linked to cyberbullying, anxiety, exposure to harmful content and online exploitation, some studies have shown.
In the UAE’s new law, children have access to the right digital environments for the age group. The purpose is not to block technology, but to create safer and responsible digital activity where parents can more effectively monitor their children’s online activities, they say.
The legislation applies not only to social media but also to websites, search engines, gaming platforms, messaging applications, streaming services, podcasts and e-commerce platforms operating in or targeting users in the UAE.
Stronger Responsibilities for Tech Platforms and Parents
One of the most important features of the law is accountability. Digital platforms will have to develop stronger age-verification systems, content filtering mechanisms and child protection measures. A Child Digital Safety Council has also been set up to monitor emerging online risks and suggest new policies.
Parents and guardians are also to take a more active role. The law requires caregivers to monitor children’s digital activities, use parental control tools, and avoid creating accounts for children on platforms that are not suitable for their age.
Part of a Global Trend
The UAE's decision comes at a time when several countries are debating stricter rules for children's social media use. Policymakers around the world are wrestling with how to balance technological innovation with child safety as concerns over screen time, online harassment, and digital addiction keep growing.
The UAE is now at the forefront of digital protection of younger people in the Arab world with a minimum age of 15. This is part of the country’s larger picture to create a safer online world, but at the same time embrace technology and digital transformation.
As implementation starts, governments, technology companies, educators, and parents will be watching closely to see how the new regulations will influence social media use among young people in the UAE and its future might be a trend which can be used as a model for other countries in the region.
