The UAE’s newly formed Child Digital Safety Council has held its inaugural meeting, launching a coordinated national effort to protect children in the digital sphere. This initiative, operating under the Ministry of Family, aims to create a comprehensive framework that integrates the efforts of all relevant government entities and digital service providers.
During the meeting, the Council established its governance framework and operational mechanisms, setting a clear agenda that balances regulatory action with public awareness, in alignment with the Federal Decree-Law on Child Digital Safety.
A Unified National Strategy
The council’s formation signals a strategic move by the UAE government to create a safer digital environment for its youngest residents. The goal is to build a cooperative ecosystem involving government bodies, the tech industry, and the community.
Her Excellency Sana Suhail, Minister of Family and Chair of the Child Digital Safety Council, commented, “In line with the directives of our wise leadership to protect families and children, this meeting marks a pivotal step towards creating an integrated national framework. Our aim is not only to shield children from growing digital risks but also to empower them to harness the vast opportunities of the digital space, thereby strengthening family bonds and contributing to social prosperity.”
Her Excellency added, “The Council is working to forge a genuine partnership between government entities, digital service providers, and the community to ensure a safe and thriving digital environment that contributes to building strong generations rooted in enduring national values. This serves as a genuine investment in the safety of future generations and the quality of their digital lives.”
New Classification System for Digital Platforms
A key outcome of the inaugural meeting was the decision to develop a national classification system for digital platforms. This system will assess platforms based on their risk levels, the nature of their content, and their suitability for different age demographics.
The classification will also enforce standards for privacy protection, safe usage protocols, and the upholding of children’s rights within digital spaces. This move will require tech companies and digital service providers operating in the region to align with new national standards.
Spotlight on Social Media
The Council identified social media platforms as its first priority. This track will undergo further study within the approved frameworks to find a balance between necessary protective measures, the responsibilities of service providers, and the supervisory role of families. Startups and established platforms in the social media space should anticipate upcoming regulations and guidelines as a result of this focus.
Shared Responsibility and Awareness
Officials emphasized that digital safety is a shared responsibility distributed among service providers, caregivers, and families. The Council highlighted awareness as a central pillar of its strategy, planning to support campaigns that equip families with digital safety tools, promote children’s digital rights, and encourage responsible online conduct. This integrated approach aims to enhance early prevention and support the healthy psychological development of children.
About the Child Digital Safety Council
The Child Digital Safety Council is a UAE national initiative established to create a coordinated framework for protecting children in the digital world. Chaired by the Minister of Family, the council unites senior representatives from key entities, including the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Education. Its mandate is to develop and implement policies, regulations, and awareness initiatives that ensure a safe, supportive, and empowering digital environment for children in the UAE.
Source: Zawya
