Why banning children from social media may not be enough to keep them safe online
Barring young people from social media platforms may not be enough to keep them safe unless it forms part of a wider online protection plan, experts have told The National . A co-ordinated strategy that takes into account the need for education on best online practices for young people and their parents would be much more effective in addressing issues around digital safety, the experts said.…
Barring children from social media may not be sufficient to ensure their safety online, according to experts who spoke to The National. A comprehensive plan that includes education on best practices and parental involvement is more effective in addressing digital safety concerns. Several countries, including the UAE, have implemented bans on under-15s using social media, but these measures may not completely eliminate loopholes in inappropriate content, exploitation, or abuse.
The UAE's ban, set to take effect in June 2027, will require social media companies to comply with new protocols. However, children can still access alternative platforms, as demonstrated by Lemon8, which became popular in Australia after being excluded from the initial list of banned apps. Experts warn that as soon as one platform is banned, another emerges, creating a "whack-a-mole" scenario.
Taking a hard line on social media use is not without its challenges, as different countries have varying approaches. Prof Nathalie Martial-Braz, chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, emphasizes that an age limit should be part of a broader strategy, including private accounts by default, no contact from unknown adults, no advertising based on profiling, and limits on attention-grabbing features.
Education plays a crucial role in preparing children for the risks of the online world, alongside regulation. AI presents both risks and opportunities, requiring careful consideration of appropriate uses and safeguards at different age levels.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
