Why UAE Parents Resist Total Social Media Ban

Why UAE Parents Resist Total Social Media Ban

In the UAE parental community, the pressing question is how to protect their children from the negative impacts of social media without resorting to a complete ban. A recent decision by the Australian government to prohibit social media platforms for those under 16 has sparked lively debates not only in Australia but also in other parts of the world, including the UAE.

Many parents believe that simply banning is not the solution. With the advancement of technology, children are becoming increasingly adept at bypassing restrictions, therefore the focus should be on awareness, communication, and parental supervision. The social and digital evolution in the UAE has created an environment where children are exposed to social media from a young age, whether it be TikTok, Instagram, Roblox, or Snapchat.

The Power of Supervision Over Banning

Many parents report that they are unwilling to completely withdraw access to social platforms, opting instead for conscious supervision and open dialogues in raising their children. Children's online activities are not isolated; peer groups, hobbies, and interests often link to these platforms. Some parents, for example, allow the use of Instagram but only under supervision, ensuring that the content visible in their child's feed is appropriate.

Experiences have shown that social media algorithms can suggest content inappropriate for a child's age after just a few views. After one unsuitable video, the system may progressively show more similar mature content, which can lead young users in a dangerous direction. Therefore, parents are advocating for tighter supervision and education rather than a total ban.

Digital Loopholes – Outwitting Age Restriction

Youth digital savvy is a major challenge for regulation. Technology doesn't present barriers for them, as they often falsify birth dates to access applications or games not suitable for their age. Such tricks can bypass platform restrictions, so parents and educators believe that shaping children's internal motivation through conscious upbringing and dialogue is paramount.

Children often justify their registrations by saying "everyone else is using it." Peer pressure is significant, and many parents feel that the solution lies not in denying access but in teaching correct usage.

The Role of Schools in Raising Awareness

Teachers and school psychologists note an increasing number of cases where young people use platforms exceeding their maturity. It's not necessarily the applications that are problematic, but the lack of engagement with parents. Without honest discussions at home about what happens online, children are left alone to face the challenges of the digital world.

Observations indicate that inappropriate content – such as violent, unrealistic or overly adult themes – may induce emotional and behavioral changes. However, adults often notice these changes too late.

Experts emphasize that parental control tools – such as the Family Link application – are not sufficient on their own. They can be effective in regulating screen time, blocking inappropriate websites, or automatically locking the device after a specific time, but a child's real safety can only be ensured through emotional connection and open dialogue.

A Future Built on Awareness

An increasing number of people believe that the future of digital safety can be secured not only by families but through the joint efforts of state and civil actors. National campaigns to develop digital awareness can help parents, teachers, and children better navigate the constantly changing online environment.

Social media platforms are not disappearing – the question is how we can use them so that young people do not become victims. In this process, parents can become mentors rather than prohibitors, helping their children develop autonomous, responsible digital presence through personal example, openness, and consistency.

Summary

The UAE parental community is acutely aware that the digital world changes faster than regulation. Thus, relying solely on restrictions is insufficient – the true solution is trust, conscious presence, and constant dialogue. While we cannot neutralize the power of algorithms, we can understand and manage it by working together to ensure that children feel protected in the digital space. Knowledge, not prohibition, is the key.

(Source based on parent statements.)