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2/18/26, 12:42 PM Education, Human Development And Community Development Council Discusses Regulating Children’s Use Of Social Media…
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 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.

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