Egypt is taking significant steps to regulate children's use of social media platforms, with Parliament actively working on legislation to address what lawmakers describe as "digital chaos." This move follows a directive from President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who urged the government and legislators to consider adopting restrictions similar to those being explored in Western nations.
Parliamentary Action Against Digital Risks
The House of Representatives announced in a statement late Sunday that it will develop a law specifically designed to regulate children's social media activities. The statement emphasised the need to "put an end to the digital chaos our children are facing, and which negatively impacts their future." Legislators plan to consult with government bodies and expert organisations to draft comprehensive protections.
Presidential Directive and International Context
President el-Sissi's televised comments on Saturday specifically referenced countries like Australia and the United Kingdom that are working on legislation to "restrict or ban" children from social media. He urged his government to consider adopting measures that would limit access "until they reach an age when they can handle it properly." This directive has accelerated parliamentary efforts to address growing concerns about children's online safety.
Alarming Statistics Drive Regulatory Push
According to a 2024 report from the National Center for Social and Criminological Research, approximately 50% of children under 18 in Egypt use social media platforms. The report highlights significant risks including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and various forms of online abuse. These findings have provided crucial evidence supporting the need for regulatory intervention.
Global Momentum for Child Protection Online
Egypt's initiative comes amid increasing international action on this issue. In December, Australia became the first country to implement a ban on social media for children younger than 16, sparking global debates about technology use, privacy, child safety, and mental health impacts. The British government has announced it will consider banning young teenagers from social media while strengthening laws to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time.
French President Emmanuel Macron has also urged his government to fast-track legal processes to ensure a social media ban for children under 15 can be enforced by the start of the next school year in September. These international developments have created a growing consensus about the need for stronger protections for young social media users.
Balancing Protection with Practical Implementation
The Egyptian legislation aims to "protect Egyptian children from any risks that threaten its thoughts and behavior," according to the parliamentary statement. As lawmakers work on drafting the specific provisions, they face the complex challenge of creating effective protections while considering practical implementation issues and potential impacts on digital access and education.
This regulatory push represents a significant shift in how Egypt approaches children's digital safety, placing it alongside other nations grappling with similar concerns about the impact of social media on young people's development and wellbeing.
