ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has approved a minimum age limit of 15 for the use of social media platforms, government media officials announced.
According to the UAE Government Media Office, children under the age of 15 will no longer be allowed to create or use personal social media accounts.
Authorities said the new rule also restricts full access to social media platforms for users below the age threshold, as part of broader efforts to regulate online activity among minors.
Officials did not immediately provide details on enforcement mechanisms or penalties for violations.
The move comes amid growing global concern over children’s exposure to online risks, including harmful content, data privacy issues and excessive screen time.
More read, UK to ban social media access for under-16s
Earlier, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had announced that the government will impose a ban on social media access for all children under the age of 16, describing it as a necessary step to protect young people.
Starmer said that restricting social media use for under-16s is the “right decision,” adding that full enforcement of the ban is intended to safeguard children’s mental health and wellbeing.
The government had launched consultations last month to explore measures aimed at limiting social media use and related digital device exposure among minors. Officials said the goal is to reduce screen time on mobile phones and laptops and encourage a greater focus on education and physical health.
Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16 in December.
