Page 38 - 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…
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.

Her Highness 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 behavioural 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 modelling at home, thoughtful regulation of screen time, and strengthened family
dialogue.

Additionally, Her Highness 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 critical

thinking and the responsible use of modern technologies.

The meeting, which was held virtually, was attended by Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of State for
Federal National Council Affairs; Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment; Sarah bint

Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and
Emiratisation, and Acting Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Sana bint Mohammed Suhail,

Minister of Family; Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli, Secretary-

General of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council; Abdulla bin Mohammed bin
Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority; Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE

Government Cybersecurity Council; Eng. Majid Sultan Al Mesmar, Director-General of the Telecommunications and
Digital Government Regulatory Authority; and Brigadier Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Dhakhri Rapporteur of the Digital

Wellbeing Council.

During the meeting, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family and Chairperson of the Child Digital Safety

Council, presented the latest developments of the national plan to enhance child digital safety in the UAE.

The plan is implemented within a comprehensive national framework led by the Child Digital Safety Council in
coordination with relevant entities, aiming to transition from general awareness to an integrated system combining

regulation, empowerment, and strengthened community awareness.

She explained that the plan is based on developing a national system for classifying digital platforms according to risk

https://en.aletihad.ae/news/uae/4645081/education--human-development-and-community-development-counc 3/5