After UK and Australia, this Arab country bans social media for children. What's driving the crackdown?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step in regulating social media by implementing age restrictions for users. Announced on Thursday, the new policy prohibits children under 15 from creating personal accounts on various social media platforms. This decision aligns the UAE with other nations like Australia, the UK, and Canada, which have also tightened regulations concerning minors' access to social media due to rising concerns about online safety and the psychological impact of digital interactions. According to the official WAM news agency, the cabinet's resolution mandates that social media companies in the UAE must enforce these restrictions within the next 12 months. Failure to comply could lead to severe penalties, including the possibility of platforms being partially or completely blocked in the country. The restrictions not only limit account creation but also prevent children under 15 from utilizing essential features of social media, such as commenting, sharing, and joining public groups. As part of the enforcement, social media platforms will be expected to actively monitor user accounts and disable those belonging to minors. The UAE's media and telecommunications regulators have been granted the authority to impose administrative penalties on companies that do not adhere to the new guidelines. The push for such regulations stems from growing anxiety over the risks associated with social media use among children, including exposure to cyberbullying, harmful content, and privacy violations. While the UAE has not elaborated extensively on its motivations, its actions reflect similar sentiments expressed by lawmakers in Australia and the UK, where child safety has become a focal point in discussions about digital regulations. Australia has already established itself as a pioneer in this area, becoming the first country to set a nationwide social media ban for minors with its Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, effective December 10, 2025. The legislation requires all users to be at least 16 years old for major platforms, with no exemptions for parental consent. This initiative aims to safeguard the mental health of young users amid growing concerns about online threats. In a parallel move, the UK has introduced even stricter measures, proposing a ban on social media access for individuals under 16 years old. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of these restrictions in ensuring the safety and well-being of children, advocating for a comprehensive approach that could include tighter controls on gaming and livestreaming platforms as well. As countries worldwide grapple with the implications of social media on youth, the UAE's new regulations mark a crucial development in the ongoing effort to create safer online environments for children.