The UAE has updated its rules, requiring child influencers under 15 to access social media platforms exclusively through parent-controlled accounts for safety and monitoring purposes.
UAE Policy Update: Young Influencers Under 15 Must Rely on Parents’ Accounts for Social Media Use.
As per the new Cabinet Resolution, individuals under the age of 15 are not allowed to create, manage, or run social media accounts registered in their own names.
Young digital creators under the age of 15 in the United Arab Emirates will still be able to pursue their interests in content creation under the country’s newly introduced Cabinet Resolution governing children’s use of social media, according to officials who provided clarification during a media briefing held on Wednesday, July 1. The clarification was issued to address concerns that the new regulations might prevent minors from participating in online creative activities altogether.
Authorities explained that the updated policy does not intend to discourage artistic expression or limit young talent. Instead, it introduces a structured framework that places responsibility for account ownership and management firmly in the hands of parents or legal guardians. Under the resolution, any social media account associated with a child under the age of 15 must be created, controlled, and operated by an adult, ensuring that online activity remains supervised and aligned with age-appropriate guidelines.
The Cabinet Resolution establishes 15 years as the minimum legal age for individuals to independently create or operate personal accounts on social media platforms. This rule is presented as a clear boundary designed to regulate direct digital engagement by minors while still allowing room for creativity to be expressed through appropriate channels.
Officials emphasized during the briefing that the law is strict in defining account ownership but does not extend to banning children from appearing in online content or participating in digital storytelling. A key distinction was made between having personal control over a social media account and being featured in content that is published through an account managed by a parent or guardian. This clarification was considered important to ensure that families, educators, and young creators understand the practical application of the regulation.
During the session, a young aspiring content creator raised a concern that reflected the worries of many children engaged in online platforms. The child asked whether the introduction of the new law would require him to stop producing content entirely, fearing that years of effort and creative work might be lost or rendered irrelevant under the updated rules. The question highlighted the emotional and personal connection that many young users have developed with digital platforms, where they often share creative projects, hobbies, and personal experiences.
In response, officials addressed the concern directly and reassured the participant that the intent of the regulation is not to suppress creativity. Instead, they reiterated that the framework is designed to ensure safer and more responsible online participation for younger users. The response aimed to make it clear that the government recognizes the value of nurturing talent from an early age, while also ensuring that children are protected through appropriate supervision.
One official stated that continued participation in content creation is fully supported, provided it takes place within the boundaries set by the new guidelines. The emphasis, they explained, is on ensuring that children are not independently managing public accounts or engaging with social media without adult oversight. This approach allows young individuals to continue expressing themselves creatively while ensuring that parents remain actively involved in guiding their online presence.
The official further clarified that the resolution does not prohibit children from sharing their ideas, talents, or creative work with a wider audience. Instead, it regulates the mechanism through which such content is published. In practical terms, this means that while a child may continue to appear in videos, photos, or other forms of digital content, the account used to publish that material must be legally owned and managed by a parent or guardian.
This distinction is central to the policy, as it seeks to balance two priorities: protecting minors in digital environments and preserving opportunities for them to engage in creative expression. Officials stressed that the goal is not to remove children from the digital space but to ensure that their participation is structured, safe, and supported by responsible adult supervision.
The clarification also reflects a broader effort by UAE authorities to adapt regulatory frameworks to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. As social media continues to play a significant role in communication, entertainment, and even professional opportunities, governments are increasingly focusing on safeguarding younger users while still encouraging innovation and participation.
By allowing children under 15 to remain visible in online content through parent-managed accounts, the policy acknowledges the growing presence of young influencers while ensuring that legal responsibility rests with adults. This structure is intended to reduce risks associated with unsupervised online activity, including privacy concerns, exposure to inappropriate content, and potential misuse of personal information.
At the same time, officials reiterated that the creative aspirations of young individuals remain valued and supported. The reassurance given during the briefing was aimed at striking a balance between regulation and encouragement, making it clear that the new rules are not meant to silence young voices but to guide them in a safer direction.
The Cabinet Resolution, therefore, introduces a regulatory framework that distinguishes between independent social media use and supervised participation. While independent account ownership is restricted to individuals aged 15 and above, collaborative or parent-managed content creation remains permissible for younger children.
Overall, the clarification provided by authorities seeks to ease public concern and ensure that families understand how the new rules will operate in practice. It reinforces the message that children can continue to explore creativity and build digital skills, provided that their online presence is appropriately managed and monitored by adults responsible for their welfare.
Parental Control at the Center of UAE’s Under-15 Social Media Rules
Under the United Arab Emirates’ updated Cabinet Resolution on children’s access to social media, the guiding principle is clear: children below the age of 15 are not permitted to independently own, operate, or manage any personal account on social media platforms. The regulation places strict limits on direct digital participation by minors, ensuring that any online presence associated with them is fully supervised by an adult.
However, officials have been equally clear that the rule does not eliminate the role of children in digital content creation. Instead, it reshapes how that participation is structured. Rather than allowing minors to maintain personal accounts in their own names, the policy requires that all online activity involving children be conducted through accounts registered and controlled by a parent or legal guardian.
This means that parents or guardians may continue to actively involve their children in content creation. They are permitted to film, produce, and publish content that features their children, provided that the material is shared through the adult’s account. In this arrangement, the parent assumes full responsibility for account management, including posting decisions, interactions, and compliance with platform rules.
Officials explained during a briefing that this approach is intended to maintain a safe digital environment for minors while still encouraging positive creative expression. One official noted that there is no objection to children participating in content creation as long as the process is properly supervised. In practical terms, this allows families to continue producing videos, educational material, or lifestyle content featuring children, so long as the account itself remains under parental control.
The emphasis, authorities said, is not on restricting creativity but on ensuring appropriate oversight. Children may continue to express ideas, showcase talents, and appear in digital content, but they cannot independently manage their online presence or engage directly with audiences through personal accounts.
From a regulatory perspective, this distinction between participation and ownership is central to the policy framework. The law clearly differentiates between a child appearing in content and a child operating a social media account. While the former is allowed under parental supervision, the latter is prohibited for anyone under the age of 15.
Officials further clarified that families who already have children actively involved in content creation do not need to discontinue their activities. Instead, they are expected to adjust the structure of their online presence to comply with the new requirements. This means shifting responsibility for account ownership and management to parents while ensuring that children no longer have direct access to control or operate social media profiles.
The new rules also address situations where minors have already built a substantial online following. In such cases, authorities have indicated that a transition period will be provided to allow platforms and users to comply with the updated legal framework. After this adjustment period, accounts that are identified as being operated by individuals under the age of 15 must either be deactivated or restructured in accordance with the law.
Whether an existing account can be converted into a parent-managed profile or an adult account depends on the internal policies of individual social media platforms. Some platforms may offer mechanisms for transferring ownership or updating account management settings, while others may require the creation of a new account under parental control. Regardless of platform-specific processes, the legal requirement remains consistent: children under 15 cannot retain independent access to accounts.
Officials also stressed that parental consent alone does not override the regulation. Even if a parent approves or encourages a child’s use of social media, the law takes precedence over individual consent. This means that underage users cannot legally operate personal accounts, regardless of family approval or prior usage history.
In practical terms, the only compliant pathway for children under 15 to remain active in the digital content space is through a parent-controlled account. In this model, the parent acts as the primary account holder and decision-maker, while the child contributes to content creation under supervision. All uploads, interactions, and account activities must be managed by the adult responsible for the account.
This framework is designed to ensure that children are protected from the potential risks associated with unsupervised social media use, including exposure to inappropriate content, privacy concerns, and direct engagement with unknown online audiences. At the same time, it allows families to continue creative storytelling and content production in a controlled environment.
Authorities have reiterated that the objective of the regulation is not to exclude children from the digital world, but to introduce safeguards that align with their age and developmental needs. By requiring parental oversight and restricting independent account ownership, the policy seeks to strike a balance between participation and protection.
Ultimately, the new rules establish a clear boundary: children under 15 may continue to appear in and contribute to online content, but they cannot operate social media accounts themselves. The responsibility for managing digital presence now rests entirely with parents or guardians, ensuring that young creators remain supported, supervised, and protected within the evolving social media landscape.
UAE Officials Say Child Social Media Rules Are Designed for Protection, Not Restriction
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have clarified that the recently introduced Cabinet Resolution governing children’s access to social media is intended as a protective framework rather than a restrictive measure aimed at limiting creativity or discouraging digital participation among young people.
During a recent official briefing, government representatives emphasised that the policy should not be interpreted as an attempt to suppress the talents of children or prevent families from supporting their children’s creative interests. Instead, it has been introduced as part of a broader effort to ensure that young users are engaging with digital platforms in a safe, structured, and age-appropriate manner.
Officials highlighted that the rapid growth of social media use among children has created both opportunities and challenges. While digital platforms offer avenues for learning, creativity, communication, and self-expression, they also expose young users to risks when accessed without proper supervision. These concerns include privacy issues, exposure to inappropriate content, and the potential for misuse of personal data or online interaction with unknown individuals.
In light of these considerations, the UAE’s approach focuses on balancing access with responsibility. The goal, according to authorities, is not to limit a child’s ability to engage with technology but to ensure that such engagement occurs within a safe and controlled environment that is appropriate for their stage of development.
Throughout the briefing, officials repeatedly stressed that the resolution is grounded in educational, social, and regulatory principles that take into account the different needs of various age groups. The framework recognises that younger users require greater guidance and oversight, while older users may gradually transition towards more independent digital participation.
Eng. Majid Sultan Al-Masmar, Director General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), addressed public concerns directly, reinforcing the idea that the policy is not intended to restrict access to technology itself. Instead, it focuses on regulating how that access is structured for minors in order to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
He explained that the resolution does not seek to reduce children’s opportunities to benefit from digital tools, educational platforms, or creative technologies. On the contrary, it encourages the responsible use of such tools within a framework that prioritises protection and guided engagement.
According to Al-Masmar, the underlying philosophy of the policy is based on the belief that children should still be able to explore digital creativity and benefit from modern technology, but always under conditions that ensure their online experience remains safe and supervised. This includes clear boundaries around account ownership, content creation, and interaction on social media platforms.
The emphasis on regulation rather than restriction reflects a broader trend in digital governance, where authorities aim to strike a balance between innovation and safety. In this context, the UAE’s approach is designed to allow children to remain part of the digital ecosystem while ensuring that responsibility for oversight remains with parents or guardians.
Officials noted that the resolution is also aligned with educational objectives, as it encourages families to play a more active role in guiding children’s digital behaviour. By involving parents more directly in online activity, the policy aims to foster awareness, supervision, and shared responsibility in the use of social media platforms.
The government also pointed out that the digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and regulatory frameworks must adapt accordingly. As children increasingly engage with online platforms at younger ages, there is a growing need for structured guidelines that help manage exposure while still allowing for learning and creativity.
In this context, the resolution is seen as part of a long-term strategy to build a safer digital environment for future generations. It reflects an understanding that technology will continue to play a central role in education, communication, and entertainment, and that early engagement must be guided by appropriate safeguards.
Officials reiterated that the intent is not to isolate children from digital progress but to ensure that their participation is meaningful, positive, and secure. By introducing age-based rules and requiring parental oversight, the policy aims to reduce risks while still allowing children to benefit from the advantages of digital platforms.
The TDRA further explained that regulatory foundations underpinning the resolution are based on international best practices and considerations of child safety in the digital age. These principles include protecting personal data, preventing exploitation, and ensuring that children are not exposed to harmful or inappropriate content without supervision.
At the same time, authorities stressed that creativity remains highly valued. Children are still encouraged to develop skills in content creation, storytelling, design, and digital communication. The key difference is that these activities must now take place within a structured environment where adults are responsible for oversight and platform interaction.
Ultimately, officials concluded that the resolution represents a shift towards more responsible digital engagement rather than a limitation on opportunity. It reflects an effort to ensure that technological access is balanced with safety considerations, allowing children to grow in a digitally connected world without unnecessary risk.
By framing the policy as protective rather than prohibitive, UAE authorities aim to reassure families that the intention is to support, not hinder, young talent. The focus remains on enabling children to benefit from technology while ensuring that their online experiences are guided, secure, and appropriate for their age.
