Egypt has begun the legislative process to restrict young teenagers’ access to social media platforms, citing growing concerns about online safety, harmful content, and what lawmakers describe as “digital chaos.”
In a statement released on Sunday, the Egyptian Parliament confirmed that consultations are underway to regulate children’s use of social media and reduce their exposure to risks such as cyberbullying, online abuse, and inappropriate content. The move has received backing from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi, who has urged lawmakers to consider laws that would limit social media access for young teens until they reach an age deemed suitable for responsible use.
According to the presidency, Egypt is studying international examples, including Australia—currently the only country to have enacted a nationwide ban on social media use for under-16s—as well as the United Kingdom, which is working on legislation to restrict children’s access to digital platforms.
Rising concerns over child safety online
Lawmakers say discussions are ongoing with government agencies and child-protection experts to draft legislation that would shield children from digital risks that could negatively influence their behaviour and mental wellbeing.
A 2024 report found that nearly half of Egyptians under the age of 18 actively use social media platforms, where they are frequently exposed to harmful content, cyberbullying, scams, and online harassment. Regulators argue that parental controls alone have proven insufficient in addressing these risks at scale.
For Egyptian authorities, the proposed restrictions are framed as a child-protection measure rather than a move to limit free expression, particularly for minors navigating increasingly complex digital environments with limited safeguards.
If implemented, Egypt would become the first African country to formally restrict or ban social media access for young teenagers.
Part of a broader global shift
Egypt’s move reflects a wider global reassessment of the impact of social media on children and adolescents. Governments across Europe, Asia, and North America are tightening regulations around online safety, data protection, and screen time for minors.
Australia’s under-16 social media ban, which took effect in December 2025, has become a reference point for policymakers worldwide. The law restricts access to platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and X, placing enforcement obligations on both platforms and guardians.
Similarly, the UK is considering stronger age-verification rules and potential access limits, while France plans to enforce a social media ban for children under 15 starting from the next school year. Other countries, including Denmark, Norway, Spain, South Korea, Malaysia, and several US states, are exploring comparable policies ahead of 2026.
Balancing access and protection
While social media platforms remain critical tools for information, communication, and creativity, regulators increasingly argue that the risks—ranging from addiction and misinformation to online exploitation—outweigh the benefits for younger users without robust controls.
Egypt’s proposed legislation signals a growing willingness among governments to intervene more aggressively in the digital lives of minors, setting the stage for renewed debates around platform responsibility, enforcement, and children’s rights in the digital age.
