The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has joined a growing number of countries banning social media access for underage children.
A new cabinet resolution passed in the country on Thursday gives social media platforms 12 months to review all accounts created by people under the age of 15 and remove them or face a complete ban.
“The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15. Children under this age are prohibited from creating, using or operating personal accounts,” state news agency WAM reported.
The government said the proposal seeks to address concerns about inappropriate content, unsafe online interactions, excessive social media use and collection of children’s personal data.
First Arab nation to curb teens’ access to social media
Australia – citing concerns about mental health, cyber bullying and lack of physical activity – in December became the first country to impose such a ban for children under 16.
Britain, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey and several European countries have also banned the use of social media by teenagers, but the UAE is the first Arab country to do so.
Critics say the restrictions are difficult to enforce and rob children of their social connection.
In its reporting, WAM said the new resolution is in line with “leading global trends in digital child protection”, preventing children from “accessing full features”. [social media] Platforms, including social interactions, publishing, commenting, sharing, joining public groups, open channels, or any large-scale interactive space.”
Telecommunications authorities in the UAE will have the power to “take all necessary measures” [against platforms] In case of non-compliance.”
Teens aged 15 and 16 will be able to access social media sites, but only with advanced security measures, including controls on age-appropriate content, restrictions on screen-time and interaction with unknown users.
Edited by: Jennifer Cimino Gonzalez