UAE plans gradual rollout of child‑focused social media rules

The UAE is preparing a staged introduction of online safety rules aimed at shielding children from digital harm, starting with social media platforms and later extending to other online services, Khaleej Times reported.

Officials have proposed a risk‑based approach that would require online platforms to enforce age‑appropriate access and comply with clearer regulatory obligations. The move was highlighted during a meeting of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, which placed regulating children’s social media use high on its agenda.

Authorities are examining how extensive screen time and certain content affect young people’s development, including attention, language and family communication dynamics. To support healthier digital habits, the government plans to provide families with guidance tools and involve child development and mental health specialists.

Separate efforts are underway to standardize education policy and assessments to identify learning support needs early, including strengthening Arabic and Islamic studies within a unified national framework.

Last year the UAE introduced a Child Digital Safety Law designed to prevent exposure to harmful content, mandate age‑based content filtering and limit how children’s data can be used by digital platforms. The legislation covers a wide range of services, from social media and apps to gaming, streaming and e‑commerce, and calls for built‑in safety features rather than after‑the‑fact fixes.

Platforms must adjust content and features to reflect age differences, and block access to gambling or money‑based gaming mechanics for users under 18, ensuring safer online environments for children.