Page 31 - MOET PR REPORT FEB 2026

2/18/26, 12:42 PM Education, Human Development and Community Development Council discusses regulating children’s use of social media du…
She explained that regulating children’s use of social

media is not only limited to content considerations but also

extends to its direct impact on family relationships, the

quality of communication at home, children’s engagement

in real-life activities, and the potential impact on cognitive

development. This includes areas concerning the ability to

focus, level of attention, and time management.

H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed further

emphasised that early intervention during foundational

developmental stages is critical to cultivate healthy digital

habits, thereby promoting balanced technology use from

an early age and mitigating potential adverse effects on

behavioral and cognitive development.

She noted that the family serves as the primary reference

point for children’s digital conduct, and that achieving

balance begins with positive role modeling at home,

thoughtful regulation of screen time, and strengthened

family dialogue.

Additionally, H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin

Zayed underscored the importance of advancing

children’s digital well-being and safeguarding their mental

health amid increasing engagement with digital platforms,

with the aim of ensuring balanced emotional and social

development.

She affirmed that nurturing a well-rounded generation

requires strong alignment between schools and families.

This must be supported by a value-based framework that

reinforces national identity and belonging, while fostering

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/byr4n2b-education-human-development-and-community 5/9