The UAE social media ban for under-15s will introduce a major change to how young people access platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and X. Under new regulations approved by the UAE, 15 will become the minimum age for social media use, with stricter safeguards aimed at improving online safety for children.
The move comes amid growing concerns about harmful content, unsafe online interactions and excessive screen time among young users. Under the new rules, social media companies will be required to take greater responsibility for protecting children and verifying users’ ages.
The UAE is the first Arab country to introduce a nationwide minimum age requirement for social media use. Platforms have been given up to 12 months to comply with the regulations.
What Will Change for Young Users?
Children under the age of 15 will not be allowed to create or operate personal social media accounts. This means they will be unable to post content, comment, share updates or participate in public groups using their own profiles.
Teenagers aged 15 and 16 will still be able to use social media, but additional safeguards will apply. These include age-appropriate content settings, parental supervision tools and measures designed to reduce exposure to harmful content.
Platforms will also need to introduce stronger age-verification systems rather than relying solely on users entering their date of birth.
What Does This Mean for Parents?
The new regulations are intended to provide stronger protection for children online while placing more responsibility on technology companies.
Social media platforms will be required to identify and remove accounts belonging to children under 15. They will also be prohibited from using children’s personal data for targeted advertising or behavioural profiling.
Companies that fail to comply could face enforcement measures from UAE authorities, including administrative penalties and possible restrictions on their services.
As countries around the world explore stricter online safety measures for children, the UAE social media ban for under-15s marks a significant step towards creating a safer digital environment for young users.
