The UAE has set 15 as the minimum age for using social media. For families, the immediate question is not whether a young teenager seems mature enough. The new rule draws a legal line based on age and requires platforms to change how they identify and protect younger users.
Cabinet Resolution 106 of 2026 applies to social media services available in or directed at the UAE. It also gives platforms a transition period of up to 12 months, so families may see changes arrive at different times rather than through one overnight switch.
What children under 15 cannot do
A child under 15 cannot create, use, or operate a personal social media account. The restriction also covers access to full social features such as posting, commenting, sharing, public groups, open channels, and large interactive spaces.
This is broader than simply blocking a new sign up form. Platforms are expected to identify accounts operated by children below the minimum age and suspend or disable them when they violate the rule.
Parental consent does not create an exception. A parent cannot lawfully approve an account for a child under 15 or help the child enter a false age. The official resolution announcement is clear that caregivers should not bypass the safeguards.
What changes for teenagers aged 15 and 16
Teenagers aged 15 and 16 may use social media, but platforms must provide stronger protection. The expected measures include age appropriate content restrictions, controls on high risk contact from unknown users, tools to manage usage time, and parental supervision features.
Families should not assume every account will have identical settings. Each platform may introduce its own method within the legal requirements. When a teenager becomes eligible, review privacy, messaging, location, live streaming, advertising, and time controls together.
Make the conversation practical. Ask who can see a post, who can send a message, and what happens when a stranger requests a photo or moves the chat to another service. A short review of real settings is more useful than a vague warning to be careful.
How age checks may work
Self declared age is not considered enough. Platforms must use an effective method, which could include digital identity, approved artificial intelligence or biometric tools, or another accepted form of verification.
The exact experience will depend on the platform and its approved system. A family may be asked to confirm age in a new way, or an account may temporarily lose features while a check is completed. Be cautious if an unexpected message asks for identity details. Open the platform directly and use its official settings rather than following an unfamiliar link.
Parents should also ask how information used for age verification is handled. The rule requires protection for children, but ordinary privacy habits still apply. Share only what the official process requires and check the platform’s privacy explanation.
Advertising and harmful interaction
The rules prevent personalised advertising to children when it is based on tracking or behavioural profiling. This addresses one of the quieter risks of social media, where a child may not realise that repeated content and advertisements are being shaped by previous activity.
Protection also includes reducing risky interaction with unknown users and limiting unsuitable content for younger eligible users. No automated system will catch everything. A teenager still needs to know how to block an account, report content, save evidence, and tell a trusted adult without fear of immediate punishment.
What families can do during the transition
Start with an honest account check. List the social platforms used by each child, the birth date stored on the account, and whether the account is public or private. If a child is under 15, do not create a replacement account or change the age to keep access.
For eligible teenagers, turn on the strongest appropriate privacy controls and review them regularly. Agree on sleep hours when phones stay outside the bedroom. Discuss scams, manipulated images, location sharing, and the pressure to respond instantly.
Children still need safe ways to communicate, learn, and enjoy suitable digital content. The rule focuses on personal social media accounts and full social interaction. Families can explore age appropriate services and supervised activities while platforms complete their changes. The UAE Government’s child digital safety guidance offers a useful place to continue the conversation.
Questions people often ask
What is the minimum social media age in the UAE?
The minimum age is 15 under Cabinet Resolution 106 of 2026.
Can a parent approve an account for a child under 15?
No. Parental consent does not override the minimum age or allow a family to bypass verification.
Are 15 and 16 year olds allowed to use social media?
Yes, with enhanced protections that platforms must provide for their age group.
Will children only need to type their date of birth?
No. Self declared age alone is not enough. Platforms must use an effective verification method approved under the framework.
When will every platform change?
Platforms have a transition period of up to 12 months, so updates may appear gradually. Families should follow official notices and platform guidance.
