Reinforcing its push for safer digital spaces for children, Dubai has launched a new nationwide initiative aimed at promoting healthy technology use among young people and supporting parents in navigating the challenges of the digital age.The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, in partnership with Digital Dubai and Sage Clinics, unveiled the “A Child’s Right to a Balanced Digital Life” programme on Thursday.The initiative forms part of Digital Dubai’s wider Digital Balance Programme and has been launched under the UAE’s “Year of the Family” campaign.The programme aims to directly benefit more than 5,000 children in its first year, while training over 480 teachers and engaging more than 1,000 parents through awareness workshops and educational campaigns.Authorities also plan to recruit and train over 300 youth ambassadors, known as “Child Rights Friends”, who will help spread awareness about responsible digital behaviour among their peers.Officials said the initiative seeks to create a preventive framework that safeguards children’s wellbeing and rights in an increasingly digital world. It is designed to equip families, educators and young people with the tools needed to ensure safe and balanced technology use while promoting healthy online habits.“We believe that protecting children in the digital environment is a shared responsibility,” said Reem Al Awabed, director of the Community Programmes Department at the CDA.She added that the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthening children’s rights and creating safer digital experiences through awareness and education.The programme comes amid growing global concerns about the impact of excessive screen time, social media exposure and unsafe online interactions on children’s mental and social wellbeing.Dr Mahmoud Al Ali, managing partner at Sage Clinics, said digital balance should not be confused with rejecting technology altogether.“Digital balance does not mean rejecting technology, but rather helping children and families use it in ways that support their wellbeing and growth, while promoting healthy relationships,” he said.Authorities said the initiative will focus on improving children’s psychological and social wellbeing while strengthening family cohesion and helping families adapt to rapid technological and societal changes.
UAE tightens social media rules for minors
The launch comes shortly after the UAE announced one of the region’s most stringent child online protection measures by setting a minimum age of 15 for social media use.Under the new regulations, children below 15 years will be barred from creating, using or operating personal social media accounts. They will not be allowed to post content, comment, share material or join public groups on social media platforms.Teenagers aged 15 and 16 will be permitted to use social media only with enhanced safeguards, including age-appropriate content controls, restrictions on interactions with strangers, screen-time management tools and parental supervision features.The rules will apply to all social media platforms operating in the UAE, which will be required to implement robust age-verification systems, including digital identity checks and AI-supported technologies. Self-declared age information will not be accepted.The UAE government said the measures are intended to protect children from inappropriate content, online risks, excessive social media use and misuse of personal data. Social media companies have been given up to 12 months to comply with the new requirements.The move makes the UAE the first Arab country to introduce a nationwide minimum-age restriction for social media use, joining countries such as Australia and several European nations that have recently tightened rules amid concerns over online safety and the impact of social media on young people’s mental health.
