Child digital safety UAE was a central focus as the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council held its second meeting of 2026. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Council.

Also present was Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairperson of the Council, along with senior ministers and national officials.

The meeting addressed high priority topics. These included regulating children’s use of social media, strengthening digital safety measures, advancing education policies and curricula, and reviewing student standardised assessment results.

Sheikh Abdullah stated that regulating children’s use of social media is a national responsibility. He stressed the need for clear frameworks that align with rapid technological transformation. Moreover, he said these frameworks must ensure a safe and balanced digital environment for future generations.

He explained that the proposed direction follows a carefully evaluated, phased, risk based implementation strategy. Initially, the focus will be on social media platforms due to their strong influence and widespread use among children. In addition, age based access regulations will be introduced to reflect developmental stages. This, he noted, will help balance technological opportunities with the protection of societal values.

Furthermore, he emphasised the integration of child, community, and education policies. According to him, this strengthens family and social stability while supporting long term national competitiveness.

He added that effective policies should build confident individuals. These individuals, he said, must be proud of their identity, equipped with essential skills, and able to contribute to the nation’s development.

During the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah called for comprehensive national policies grounded in Emirati society. He said they must respond to societal aspirations and global shifts. At the same time, they should enhance quality of life and reinforce sustained investment in human capital.

He also highlighted the importance of coordinated stakeholder engagement. This includes collaboration across social, technical, educational, security, media, and health sectors. Such coordination, he noted, ensures balanced regulation combined with empowerment.

For her part, Sheikha Mariam stressed that family empowerment is critical amid rapid digital transformation. She said families must be equipped with tools and knowledge to guide children responsibly.

She explained that regulating children’s social media use extends beyond content control. It also affects family relationships, communication quality, engagement in real life activities, and cognitive development. This includes focus, attention span, and time management.

Therefore, she underscored the importance of early intervention during foundational developmental stages. Encouraging healthy digital habits from an early age, she said, reduces potential behavioural and cognitive risks.

She added that families are the primary reference point for children’s digital behaviour. Positive role modelling, regulated screen time, and open dialogue are essential.

In addition, she emphasised safeguarding children’s mental health amid growing digital engagement. Balanced emotional and social development, she noted, is vital.

The meeting was attended virtually by Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli, Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Eng. Majid Sultan Al Mesmar, and Brigadier Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Dhakhri.

During the session, Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family and Chairperson of the Child Digital Safety Council, presented updates on the national plan to enhance child digital safety in the UAE.

The plan operates under a comprehensive national framework. It aims to shift from general awareness to an integrated system that combines regulation, empowerment, and community awareness.

She explained that the framework introduces a national system for classifying digital platforms based on risk assessment. Consequently, platforms will face proportionate and enforceable obligations aligned with potential risks to children.

The first phase will prioritise social media platforms and age based access management. Subsequently, implementation will expand to other digital services based on risk levels.

She added that empowering families remains central. Practical tools will be introduced to help parents manage device and application use. At the same time, awareness efforts will target both children and caregivers.

Meanwhile, Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, presented updates on public education reforms. These include aligning educational frameworks and policies to establish a clear national reference for school education.

She said this defines the learner profile in the UAE. It reflects national identity while aligning with future needs and leadership aspirations.

Moreover, she highlighted the need for coherence across curriculum, assessment frameworks, and teacher development strategies. Such alignment, she said, ensures stronger educational outcomes.

She also shared results of student standardised assessments, including Arabic language evaluations. These, she noted, serve as diagnostic tools to guide curriculum refinement and pedagogy.

Evidence based early interventions, she added, will address learning gaps and strengthen foundational skills.

In addition, updates were provided on the development of Arabic language and Islamic education curricula. The goal is to reinforce national identity, Emirati values, and consistent academic standards across stages.

The meeting was convened within the broader framework of policy integration. It aligns with 2026 as the Year of Family and reinforces the country’s commitment to long term human capital investment.

Overall, the Council reaffirmed that Child digital safety UAE remains a strategic national priority, anchored in regulation, family empowerment, education reform, and coordinated community action.

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