Egypt has taken a significant step towards enhancing online safety for minors with new guidelines introduced by the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood. The stringent “red lines” aim to protect children from a range of digital risks, marking a new chapter in the country’s approach to digital regulation and child welfare.
The New Digital Red Lines
The framework establishes clear prohibitions to safeguard children in the digital space. Key among these rules is a ban on the sharing of minors’ images and personal data without explicit consent.
Furthermore, the guidelines criminalise harmful online activities such as cyberbullying, extortion, and any form of digital exploitation targeting children. The rules also prohibit digital communication with children outside of officially approved channels and aim to restrict their exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate content.
A Legislative Push for Digital Wellbeing
This initiative by the Council coincides with the Egyptian parliament beginning to draft comprehensive legislation to regulate children’s access to social media and digital applications. The move reflects a growing national concern over the psychological and behavioural effects of digital addiction among young people.
The Council has advocated for a balanced supervision model. The goal is not to block access entirely but to create a safe environment where children can benefit from the internet under strong monitoring, with robust prevention measures and heightened awareness among both families and educational institutions.
A Call for Balanced Supervision and Parental Responsibility
The guidelines place a primary responsibility on parents and schools to actively safeguard children. They are urged to monitor for early warning signs of digital harm and intervene promptly.
This call to action is supported by medical and psychological experts who have warned of the significant risks linked to excessive use of digital devices. These risks include increased anxiety, social isolation, poor academic performance, and various physical health issues. Experts stress that fostering awareness and promoting guided, intentional use of technology is a more effective strategy than implementing outright bans.
About The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood
The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) is the primary governmental body in Egypt responsible for the welfare of children and mothers. It works on formulating policies, plans, and programs aimed at protecting the rights of children, ensuring their development, and providing a safe and supportive environment in line with national laws and international conventions.
Source: MEA TechWatch
