GCC's New Approach to Social Media Restrictions

Restricting Social Media for Teens: A New Trend in GCC Countries?

The impact of social media on young people has become an increasing global concern, and now GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Council) are joining the debate. Discussions between governments and technology companies have raised the need for stricter regulations on teenagers' social media usage. The aim? To protect young people from cybercrime and online dangers.

Why is there a need for restrictions?

Social media platforms have become more widespread, and young people spend more time online. According to Global Media Insights, people in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) spend nearly three hours a day on social media on average. A significant portion of Instagram users in the country are teenagers, raising concerns as these platforms can often be targets for cybercriminals.

In GCC countries, more than 50% of the local youth are under 25, making the impact of social media on the younger generation particularly significant. Governments believe that introducing restrictions is necessary not only for safety but also to protect mental health and academic performance.

What measures have been proposed?

In GCC countries, discussions are ongoing about solutions that would allow monitoring and restricting teenagers' social media use. These include artificial intelligence (AI) based systems and identification solutions, which could assist parents and authorities in controlling young people's online activities.

In the UAE, strict rules regarding mobile phone use in schools are already in place. Mobile phone use is prohibited within public educational institutions, and school networks often block access to social media platforms. Private schools may have lighter rules, but phone usage is still strictly regulated.

International examples

GCC countries are not the only ones considering social media restrictions. In Australia, a social media ban for children under 16 came into force in November 2024. In France and some U.S. states, laws regulate minors' access to social media without parental consent. The European Union has also prohibited technology companies from displaying personalized ads targeting children and requires regular reminders for teenagers to take breaks.

China also strictly regulates children's online activities, placing time limits on daily internet service use. In the Netherlands, the use of smart devices is banned in primary and secondary schools, as these devices are believed to be 'disruptive factors' affecting students' performance.

UAE Leading in Cybersecurity

The UAE not only plays a pioneering role in social media restriction but also in cybersecurity in the region. According to the 2025 High-Tech Crime Trends Report, internet services are the most targeted sector in phishing attacks in the Middle East and Africa. The UAE performs outstandingly in this area and actively participates in the global fight against cybercrime.

Craig Jones, former director of cybersecurity at Interpol, stated that the UAE is exceptionally well-positioned in terms of cybersecurity. "The UAE has excellent reporting mechanisms and a portal for reporting online crimes. Collaboration between government bodies is also excellent," said Jones. The country participates in global anti-cybercrime initiatives, such as the fight against ransomware.

What lies ahead?

Restricting social media for teenagers is increasingly becoming a global trend. Discussions in GCC countries and cooperation with tech companies indicate that the region takes the online safety of young people seriously. However, implementing restrictions will not be an easy task, as social media is already an integral part of young people's lives.

The question is how the regulations will balance safety and freedom. Alongside the rapid development of technology, governments and parents must actively participate in ensuring young people's safety in the digital world. The steps taken by the UAE and GCC countries will certainly impact the region's digital future and could serve as an example for other countries.