UAE becomes first Arab nation to set minimum social media age at 15

The United Arab Emirates on Thursday (June 18) approved a resolution setting the minimum age for social media use at 15, the government’s media office said, becoming the first Arab country to introduce such a measure.

The resolution prohibits children under the age of 15 from creating or using personal social media accounts and limits their access to the platforms’ full features.

The UAE joins a growing list of countries tightening rules around children’s use of social media.
Australia has introduced one of the world’s toughest regulations, banning children under 16 from holding accounts on major platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Companies are responsible for preventing underage access.

The UK is also considering restrictions for children under 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the government plans to target social media platforms, as well as gaming and livestreaming services that allow children to interact with strangers.

Malaysia and Indonesia have introduced age-based restrictions requiring platforms to block registrations by children under 16. Indonesian authorities have said the measures are designed to protect children from cyberbullying, online scams and harmful content.

Canada is considering legislation that would strengthen online protections for minors, while France has backed stricter age-verification measures to prevent younger users from accessing social media platforms.

India has also joined the debate. Karnataka has announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16, citing concerns over excessive mobile phone use and its impact on health and education. Andhra Pradesh has proposed curbs for children below the age of 13.

The measures reflect a broader global push to strengthen safeguards for children and address growing concerns about the impact of social media on young users.