KUWAIT CITY, July 1: Educational experts, psychologists and social specialists in Kuwait have called for urgent legislation banning social media use among children under the age of 15, warning that digital platforms pose growing psychological, behavioral and security risks to young users.
The United Arab Emirates’ recent decision to ban social media use for children under 15 has sparked debate over whether Kuwait should adopt a similar policy. For Gen Z, social media is not only a source of entertainment but also a platform for communication, education and self-expression.
The UAE says the move aims to protect children from risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content and online exploitation. While these concerns are real, many Gen Z users believe a complete ban may not be the best solution and that stronger regulations, age-appropriate content and better online safety measures could be more effective.
Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp and Snapchat help young people stay connected, learn new skills, follow current events and discover opportunities. Many teenagers also use these platforms for creativity, entrepreneurship and sharing ideas.
As Kuwait considers similar measures, the debate remains whether restricting access is the right approach or whether education, awareness and improved digital protections can better balance safety with the benefits of social media.
Specialists in Kuwait said children are increasingly exposed to online addiction, cyberbullying, digital exploitation, inappropriate content and psychological pressures driven by social media algorithms designed to maximize user engagement.
They urged authorities to introduce laws regulating children's access to social media platforms while assigning greater responsibilities to families, schools and technology companies to protect minors.
Child Protection Association Calls for Legislation
Dr. Siham Al-Furaih, head of the National Society for Child Protection, said banning social media access for children under 15 has become an urgent necessity to protect young people and society.
She warned that excessive use of social media can affect children's thinking, encourage harmful behaviors and expose them to risks they may not fully understand due to their young age.
Al-Furaih described social media as a "blatant threat" to children, saying platforms can expose minors to harmful ideas, psychological problems and behaviors that may have long-term consequences.
She called for legislation that would involve parents, schools and relevant authorities in monitoring and protecting children from online risks.
Psychologist Warns of Impact on Child Development
Psychologist Dr. Alaa Al-Humaidhi said children under 15 are still developing emotional control and decision-making abilities, making them particularly vulnerable to the pressures of social media.
She questioned whether children at this stage are prepared to deal with platforms designed primarily to capture attention and encourage prolonged use.
Al-Humaidhi said the risks extend beyond screen time, affecting children's ability to develop important life skills such as handling frustration, building real relationships and managing emotions.
She warned that constant exposure to online comparisons, likes and comments could affect children's self-image and identity formation.
She also pointed to studies linking excessive social media use among young people with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, social isolation and body-image concerns.
Cybersecurity Experts Warn of Growing Online Threats
Mohammed Al-Rashidi, head of the Cybersecurity Committee at the Electronic Media Union, said restricting social media access for children under 15 is no longer optional due to increasing digital threats.
He said the main concern is not technology itself, but the inability of young children to fully understand and manage platform algorithms that encourage prolonged engagement.
Al-Rashidi warned that children face risks including cyberbullying, digital exploitation, online grooming and blackmail, adding that Kuwait has seen an increase in cyberbullying cases among students.
He said a ban alone would not be enough and called for a comprehensive approach involving families, schools, government agencies and technology companies.
Calls for Age Verification System
Al-Rashidi proposed requiring social media platforms to verify users' identities and ages before allowing account creation, along with penalties for companies that fail to comply.
He said technology companies should also strengthen parental controls, improve reporting systems for harmful content and cooperate with authorities in cases involving child exploitation.
While Kuwait lacks comprehensive official statistics directly linking social media use to mental health conditions among children, he said field observations indicate rising concerns over digital addiction, sleep problems and exposure to unsuitable content.
Legal Experts Support Restrictions
Lawyer Osama Al-Sanad said social media has become a direct threat to children by exposing them to information and influences beyond traditional family and educational supervision.
He said children may struggle to distinguish between beneficial and harmful content, making them vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation.
Al-Sanad added that while no system can completely prevent children from bypassing restrictions, introducing legal controls would represent an important step toward reducing risks.
Experts Stress Regulation, Not Technology Ban
Dr. Latifa Al-Kandari, former director of the Childhood Center, said legislation should focus on regulating children's use of social media rather than preventing young people from benefiting from technology.
She called for reliable age verification systems, penalties for companies that fail to protect minors, and nationwide awareness campaigns involving government institutions, schools and civil society organizations.
Al-Kandari said the objective should be to create a safer digital environment that matches children's psychological and social development while preparing them to become responsible technology users.
The experts emphasized that protecting children in the digital age requires urgent action, with families remaining the first line of defense alongside stronger legal and institutional safeguards.