UAE Parents Prefer Supervision Over Social Media Bans for Children
As Australia moves to ban major social media platforms for users under 16, the decision has reignited debate among parents in the UAE, where children increasingly engage with apps such as TikTok, Instagram, Roblox, and Snapchat.
While some parents support stronger international regulations, many say the real issue lies not in banning platforms outright, but in equipping children with the tools to navigate the digital world safely.
Parents across the country told Khaleej Times that age restrictions are easily bypassed by tech-savvy teens, making parental involvement, open communication, and digital awareness far more effective than legislative bans alone.
Parents emphasise boundaries and guidance
Dubai-based mother Um Amira, who has a 13-year-old daughter, maintains strict oversight of her child’s online activity. She only allows her daughter to use Instagram — and even that account is monitored across her devices. Snapchat, however, remains strictly off-limits.
“She keeps trying to open a Snapchat account, but I don’t like this app at all. Every time she creates one, I delete it,” she said.
While she supports strong oversight, she does not favour full bans. “If a child watches one inappropriate video, the algorithm starts showing more and more content that’s older than their age. It escalates quickly, and that’s scary,” she added.
To manage device usage, she uses the Family Link app to control screen time, restrict content, and automatically lock the device. She believes that a regulated, authority-backed monitoring system would significantly improve safety.
Teenagers admit to easily bypassing age restrictions
Thirteen-year-old student Ali Abdalla explained how simple it is to get around age limits by entering a fake date of birth.
“Sometimes I select that I’m 18 or older to download games like Brawl Stars and Clash Royale. I even put my age as 32 so I don’t get a rejection message,” he said, adding that peer pressure drives many of his choices.
He also requested TikTok and Instagram to connect with friends, but his parents declined due to concerns over inappropriate content.
Experts highlight communication over control
According to Mahra Al Kheili, a social worker at a school in Al Ain, banning apps does not address the broader issue of digital literacy within families.
“Children today are extremely digitally smart. They know exactly how to get around age limits. That’s why real protection requires partnership between parents and schools,” she said.
Al Kheili added that exposure to violent or mature content can result in behavioural and emotional changes, stressing that monitoring tools are helpful but insufficient without ongoing communication.
“When children understand why limits are set instead of feeling controlled, they make better choices even without constant supervision,” she said.
A balanced approach to online safety
Parents and educators agree that protecting children online requires a combination of digital education, responsible oversight, open communication at home, and awareness of how algorithms influence young users.
Bans alone, they argue, cannot replace the need for informed, engaged parenting in an increasingly digital world.
