As the new academic year approaches, UAE schools are preparing for a shift in students’ digital habits following new regulations restricting social media access for children under 15. Experts say the rules could improve classroom concentration and face-to-face interaction, although the adjustment period may be challenging for some children.

On June 18, 2026, the UAE Cabinet approved regulations prohibiting children under 15 from creating or using personal social media accounts. Platforms will also be required to implement effective age-verification measures and have until mid-2027 to fully comply.

Education and mental health specialists say reducing recreational social media use could ease pressures linked to social comparison, cyberbullying and distraction, while supporting better sleep, greater physical activity and stronger in-person relationships. Fewer social media interruptions may also help students remain focused for longer periods in the classroom.

However, experts have warned that children who view social media as a key part of their friendships and daily lives may initially experience feelings of exclusion, loneliness, anxiety, boredom or fear of missing out. They recommend that parents present the restrictions as a step towards a healthier lifestyle rather than a punishment, and replace some online time with sport, art, hobbies and face-to-face social activities.

Schools have also stressed that restricting social media should not mean abandoning technology. Digital tools remain an integral part of education, and students must learn skills such as protecting their privacy, identifying misinformation, understanding the effects of algorithms, behaving responsibly online and managing their digital footprints.

Experts believe the policy’s success will depend on more than simply blocking accounts. Cooperation among families, schools, technology companies and regulators, as well as the provision of suitable social and educational alternatives for children, will play a decisive role.