Should UAE limit social media use for children after the Florida ban?

Amidst global concerns over the impact of social media on youngsters, a recent Florida bill has stirred discussions among experts in the UAE. The legislation bans social media access for children below 14 years old and has prompted mixed responses among experts in the UAE.

While some have welcomed it and called for a similar approach locally, others have decried it, saying it was more important to educate children about the harmful effects of screens rather than banning it outright.

"On the one hand the bill is a good idea as it intends to protect children from the harmful effects of social media at a young age," said Dr Charlotte Cousins, Clinical Psychologist, Lead of Children and Adolescent Services at Sage Clinic.

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"However, prohibiting children and denying access to social media alone is not enough. We need to ensure that children are taught about the potentially harmful effects of some social media content, how to safely navigate these platforms and benefit from their many positive aspects."

The bill, signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, will also require parental permission for 14- and 15-year-olds to use. Amit Saraswat, Founder of PhysioVeda Medical Center, is a Dubai-based healthcare expert and outspoken advocate for less screen time for children. He said the move was commendable and called on UAE to take note.

"By limiting access to social media platforms, Florida aims to protect impressionable minds from potential cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and addiction that can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation," he said. "The UAE, with its commitment to prioritising the welfare of its citizens, could find merit in implementing a similar rule."

Ban could be detrimental

However, several experts felt that such outright bans could be detrimental. "I have always been concerned by the 'banning' of technology, preferring to educate children about the positive uses whilst also making clear the associated risks," said Scott Carnochan, Head Master, Brighton College Abu Dhabi.

He said this was especially challenging since youngsters must be prepared for a tech-driven future. "We need to ensure that our pupils are world ready and we know the large part that technology and social media plays in the lives of our children, so a ban may not suitably prepare our children to make the right choices in future," he said. "Also, a ban on the use of these platforms runs the risk of ostracising children from their friendship groups, given many of these platforms are a key component in the communication between teenagers, whether we like it or not."

Shatha Almutawa, Founder and Director of Kutubna Cultural Center, agreed with Scott. "In my opinion, people thrive when they have freedom and the ability to make informed choices," she said. "Instead of creating restrictions, I think communities should encourage and support what they want to see flourish in their world."

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