The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new rule banning children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, as part of efforts to strengthen online safety and protect minors from digital risks.
According to the resolution, children under 15 will not be allowed to create or use personal social media accounts, including posting content, commenting, or joining online groups.
Teenagers aged 15 and 16 will still be permitted to use social media but under stricter safeguards, including age verification systems, content filtering, screen-time controls, and parental supervision tools.
Social media companies operating in the UAE will be required to enforce the rules using robust age verification measures, including digital ID checks and other technologies to prevent underage access and account creation.
Authorities said the move is aimed at reducing exposure to harmful content and addressing concerns over children’s mental health and online safety, with platforms given a transition period to comply with the new requirements.