The United Arab Emirates has enacted a UAE social media ban for children under 15, requiring platforms to block accounts or face penalties, in a move aligned with global efforts to protect young users
In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Thursday 18 June 2026, the United Arab Emirates government announced a comprehensive social media ban for children under 15 years old through a new cabinet resolution.
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The resolution sets the minimum age for creating, using or operating personal accounts on social media platforms at 15.
Social media companies will have a 12-month transition period to monitor and disable accounts of under-15s or risk warnings, partial blocking or full bans.
“The resolution sets the minimum age for social media use at 15 years,” the official WAM news agency reported. “Children below this age are prohibited from creating, using, or operating personal accounts on social media platforms.”
The UAE becomes the first Arab country to introduce such a measure, joining nations including Australia, Britain, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia and Turkey in tightening rules on young people’s access.
Australia led with its under-16s ban in December, followed by Britain this week.
Children aged 15 to 16 will be permitted limited use with enhanced protective measures, including content restrictions and time limits.
The ban prohibits access to full platform features such as social interaction, publishing, commenting, sharing and joining public groups.
Parents and caregivers bear responsibility for preventing under-15s from using social media or bypassing age checks, with the resolution stating that parental consent does not provide a valid exemption.
The decision is driven by concerns over mental health impacts, cyber-bullying, addiction, reduced physical activity and risks from online predators.
It aligns with the UAE’s existing strict internet regulations, including laws against spreading rumours.
Critics argue that such bans can be difficult to enforce and may push young users toward unregulated darker corners of the internet. Supporters view the step as a necessary protective measure in an increasingly digital world.
The UAE authorities have been given full powers to enforce compliance through administrative penalties.
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This latest policy reflects a broader global trend toward stronger digital safeguards for children while balancing the challenges of implementation in a connected society.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
