Page 73 - MOET PR REPORT FEB 2026

2/18/26, 12:50 PM Education, human development and community development council discusses regulating children's use of social media duri…
and health sectors to advance a balanced framework that combines appropriate

regulation with empowerment and fosters the responsible use of modern
technologies.

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

https://www.aninews.in/news/world/middle-east/education-human-development-and-community-development-council-discusses-regulating-childre… 4/7