Egypt is moving closer to introducing new regulations aimed at controlling how children access and use social media, as officials raise concerns about the impact of unregulated digital spaces on young people. Lawmakers say the initiative is designed to address what has been described as widespread online disorder that threatens children’s mental well-being and behavior.
The proposal reflects growing anxiety within the government over the scale of social media use among minors and the potential long-term consequences.
Push for Legal Safeguards for Minors
The push for legislation gained momentum after President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi publicly called for limits on children’s engagement with social media platforms. He argued that unrestricted access at an early age exposes young users to content and interactions they are not equipped to handle.
The president also urged policymakers to study international examples where governments have begun setting age-based restrictions, signaling that Egypt is open to adopting firm regulatory measures if deemed necessary.
Parliament Consults Experts and Authorities
Members of parliament have confirmed that work is underway to draft a legal framework focused on child protection in the digital sphere. The process will involve consultations with government institutions and independent experts to identify risks and propose effective safeguards.
Lawmakers say the goal is to reduce exposure to harmful material, online harassment, and digital abuse, all of which remain common experiences for children using social media in Egypt.
Global Debate Shapes Local Policy
Data indicates that a significant share of Egyptian children regularly use social media, placing them at risk of cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and excessive screen time. These concerns are not unique to Egypt and form part of a broader global debate.
Countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and France have already taken steps toward stricter age limits or outright bans for minors. These international developments are influencing discussions in Cairo, as legislators weigh how to balance digital freedom with the need to protect children in an increasingly connected world.
Egyptian officials say the proposed law aims to respond to local realities while aligning with emerging global standards on child safety in the digital age.
