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2/18/26, 12:51 PM UAE Council Discusses Regulating Children's Social Media Use
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

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