{
  "id": 7558611,
  "title": "UAE schools prepare pupils for under-15s social media restrictions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/uae-schools-prepare-pupils-for-under-15s-social-media-restrictions",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-15T13:17:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2026/09/15/uae-schools-prepare-pupils-for-under-15s-social-media-restrictions/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "UAE schools are gearing up students for upcoming social media restrictions on children under 15, placing emphasis on online safety, screen time, and responsible digital behavior. In June, the UAE Cabinet announced that children under 15 would no longer be permitted to establish or use personal social media accounts; platforms were given a year to comply with these rules. The aim is to shield children from harmful content, unsafe interactions, misuse of personal data, and excessive social media usage.\n\nEducators argue that the new restrictions offer a broader conversation on digital well-being. Lisa Johnson, principal of the American Academy for Girls, explained that giving children more time to mature before independently managing social media accounts is a prudent safeguard. \"Our most crucial role is in education,\" she told The National.\n\nTeaching digital safety is embedded within many schools' curriculums in the UAE. Educators collaborate with online-safety and anti-bullying speakers, as well as Dubai Police, to reinforce responsible digital citizenship. Brian Cleary, head of secondary at Swiss International Scientific School Dubai, emphasized that schools must help children build healthier digital habits, as this should not be a one-off lesson or initiative. It needs to be integrated into a wider approach to safeguarding, well-being, and healthy lifestyles.\n\nMs. Johnson highlighted that the American Academy for Girls routinely discusses privacy, cyberbullying, inappropriate content, misinformation, digital footprints, and the importance of careful posting or sharing online with pupils. She emphasized that these thought habits are far more valuable than merely prohibiting something.\n\nA circular from Gems Legacy School, which The National obtained, outlined initiatives during the summer break to ensure safe digital behavior. The circular, \"Safe and responsible digital conduct during the summer break,\" stated that students were expected to continue demonstrating responsible digital citizenship in alignment with KHDA expectations, UAE laws, and the school's digital policy. The notice outlined parents' responsibility to supervise and monitor their children's online activities and emphasized engaging responsibly online, following age-appropriate guidelines, and complying with UAE laws and regulations.\n\nCleary stressed the importance of teaching children to critically assess what they consume and share online, knowing that their digital footprints are permanent and decisions online can have lasting consequences. He cautioned that excessive screen time can negatively impact learning, sleep, concentration, and overall well-being. American Hospital Dubai has warned about potential physical and mental health issues stemming from excessive screen time, such as obesity, digital eye strain, myopia, and behavioral problems.\n\nParents remain vital in implementing the new rules, according to Cleary. \"Schools and parents need to work together in partnership,\" he said. Schools can provide education, set clear boundaries, and offer expert guidance, while parents must establish healthy routines and maintain appropriate oversight of children's technology use at home. Cleary and Johnson urged parents to initiate conversations with their children before the restrictions take effect, asking them about their enjoyment of social media, concerns, and their ideas of healthy usage. Consistent messages between school and home are particularly crucial, as overspending time on screens can blur family life boundaries, Johnson cautioned. Educators concluded that while the UAE's decision is significant, it cannot substitute education and parental engagement.",
  "summary": "Schools across the UAE are preparing pupils for new social media restrictions on children aged under 15 with a greater focus on online safety, screen time and responsible digital behaviour. The UAE Cabinet announced in June that children under 15 would no longer be allowed to create or use personal social media accounts. Platforms were given 12 months to comply with the rules. The measures aim to…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "UAE schools prepare pupils for under-15s social media restrictions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/15/uae-schools-prepare-pupils-for-under-15s-social-media-restrictions-7561540",
        "published": "2026-09-15T13:17:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}