Page 57 - MOET PR REPORT FEB 2026

For her part, H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that empowering the
family represented a key pillar in addressing rapid digital transformations, noting the importance of
equipping families with the necessary tools and knowledge to confidently and responsibly navigate
these changes, thereby strengthening their role in guidance, supervision, and fostering healthy
digital habits among children.

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 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.

https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/278869690/education-human-development-and-
community-development-council-discusses-regulating-children-use-of-social-media-during-its-
second-meeting-in-2026