CAIRO (AP) — Egypt's Parliament is currently exploring measures to regulate children's use of social media platforms, aiming to tackle what lawmakers have termed "digital chaos." This initiative follows the lead of several Western countries contemplating restrictions on social media access for young teenagers.
The House of Representatives issued a statement on Sunday, announcing plans to draft legislation with the intent of regulating minors' social media usage. The lawmakers emphasized the need to put an end to the “digital chaos” impacting children and their future. They highlighted the importance of consulting with the government and expert organizations to create a legal framework to "protect Egyptian children from any risks that threaten their thoughts and behavior."
This legislative push was fueled by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's remarks on Saturday, wherein he called for the government and lawmakers to assess potential regulations limiting children's access to social media until they reach an appropriate age to handle it responsibly. His comments referenced international examples, specifically mentioning Australia and the United Kingdom, which are contemplating similar legislation to either restrict or ban children's interaction with social media platforms.
According to a report from the National Center for Social and Criminological Research, a government-affiliated think tank, about 50% of children under the age of 18 in Egypt are active on social media platforms. This significant participation raises concerns about children's exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and online abuse.
In December 2023, Australia became the first country to implement a ban on social media for children younger than 16 years old. This legislation prompted intense discussions regarding the impacts of technology on privacy, child safety, mental health, and the responsibilities of technology companies. Following Australia's lead, other countries are now considering similar measures to protect their youth.
The British government announced that it would contemplate banning young teenagers from social media and is working to strengthen laws designed to shield children from harmful content and excessive screen time. Alongside these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron has urged his administration to expedite legislation enforcing a social media ban for children under 15, aiming for its implementation by the beginning of the next school year in September 2024.
As the issue of child safety and digital interactions continues to gain global attention, countries are increasingly recognizing the necessity to create a safer online environment for young users. The proposed regulations in Egypt reflect a broader trend of governments seeking to balance the benefits of digital connectivity with the imperative of protecting children from its potential dangers.
