Abu dhabi: Experts from the National Experts Programme (NEP) have affirmed that the UAE's new legislation regulating children's use of social media platforms marks a significant step forward in strengthening child digital safety, and establishes a comprehensive framework that keeps pace with the rapid evolution of the digital world.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE Cabinet recently issued Resolution No. 106 of 2026, formally titled "Regulating Children's Access to Social Media Platforms." The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years. Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms, and are prohibited from accessing the full features of such platforms, including social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, open channels, or any large-scale interactive spaces.
The resolution, which was issued in June and communicated in July, sets the following rules: a minimum age of 15 is confirmed as the national threshold for personal social media accounts in the UAE. Children under 15 cannot legally hold personal accounts or access "full features" of social media, including social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, open channels, and large-scale interactive spaces. For those aged 15 to under 16, access is permitted but subject to enhanced protective measures such as content filtering, restrictions on interacting with unknown users, usage-time limits, and parental controls.
Asma Al Azri, NEP Expert representing the Community Development and Social Services sector, Faisal Al Hawi, NEP Fellow representing the Technology and Innovation sector, and Sumaya Al Hajeri, NEP Fellow representing Public Policy and Governance, noted that maximizing the legislation's impact will be supported by the combined efforts of families, educational institutions, digital platforms, alongside the country's legislative framework, helping to foster a safer and more responsible digital environment for children.
According to the three NEP experts, the rapid evolution of digital technologies, including social media platforms, online gaming, and generative artificial intelligence, has created new and increasingly complex risks for children, reinforcing the need for proactive and future-ready policies. They added that the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global leader by adopting legislation that strikes a careful balance between enabling children to benefit from technology while safeguarding them from online risks.
Commenting on the new legislation, Al Azri stated that protecting children in the digital world is a shared responsibility that extends beyond legislation to include families, schools, and digital platforms. She emphasized that social media platforms were not designed for young children, and age restrictions exist for a reason.
NEP Fellow Faisal Al Hawi highlighted that the new legislation reflects the UAE's proactive approach to anticipating future digital challenges and developing policies that keep pace with technological change. Al Hawi, who developed a national program to reduce passive screen time among children aged 6 to 10, noted the significance of encouraging purposeful and balanced screen use.
Sumaya Al Hajeri, NEP Fellow representing Public Policy and Governance, clarified that The UAE's approach to digital child protection reflects a forward-looking understanding that safeguarding children in the digital era requires more than technological solutions; it requires a comprehensive governance framework built on legislation, accountability, and shared responsibility. She emphasized the importance of proactive policymaking that places human wellbeing at the center of innovation.