- New measures on age verification, high-risk features and behavioural profiling reinforce a national approach to protecting children online.
Sharjah, UAE: Her Excellency Hanadi Al Yafei, Director General of the Child Safety Organisation, said the UAE Cabinet’s decision to regulate children’s access to social media platforms reflects the country’s commitment to an integrated child protection system and a safe, sustainable digital future. She added that the legislation balances access to technology with the protection of children’s psychological and social well-being.
Al Yafei said the decision aligns with the UAE’s Year of the Family by recognising families as key partners in digital protection. Equipping them with the right knowledge and tools, she added, will help guide children towards safer, more balanced use of technology and strengthen digital awareness at home.
She said: “The decision addresses a central challenge: children do not enter neutral digital spaces. Open interaction, fast-moving content, algorithms, data collection and behavioural influence shape social media platforms. Protecting children online cannot rely on parental supervision alone. It requires clear platform accountability, effective regulation and ongoing family awareness.”
Al Yafei highlighted measures including age verification, restrictions on high-risk features for users aged 15 to 16, and safeguards against advertising based on tracking and behavioural profiling. She said these measures would strengthen digital protection and reduce the risks associated with social media use.
She added that the decision provides families with greater support in managing their children’s social media use by establishing a clear national standard based on the child’s best interests. Al Yafei stressed that families will continue to play a central role through dialogue, trust-building, observation and teaching safe digital behaviour, rather than relying on monitoring alone.
Al Yafei said the Child Safety Organisation will support the decision through targeted policies and awareness programmes, stronger partnerships with relevant entities, and expanded guidance for families and children on the safe and responsible use of technology. She said these efforts will help strengthen digital child protection and create a safer online environment for children.
