The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a minimum age requirement of 15 for social media users, becoming the first Arab country to implement such a restriction as governments worldwide increase efforts to protect children online. Under new regulations approved on Thursday, children under the age of 15 will not be allowed to create, operate […]
child safety
UK to ban social media access for under-16s
LONDON: The UK government has announced plans to prohibit children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, marking one of the most significant digital safety measures proposed in the country. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government intends to introduce restrictions preventing under-16s from using social media services, arguing that a complete […]
Canada pushes major child safety rules for social media
Canada has introduced a sweeping digital safety bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms unless companies meet specific safety requirements. The proposal represents one of the country’s most ambitious efforts to strengthen online protections for young users and address growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms […]
Duchess Sophie leads key child safety summit in Denmark
Duchess Sophie took on an important royal role this week as King Charles III continued assigning senior family members to major international engagements. Buckingham Palace released official photographs and details after Sophie attended a high-level summit in Copenhagen focused on child safety in the digital age. The Duchess of Edinburgh travelled to Denmark on May […]
Dubai Police fine guardian AED50,000 for child riding electric bike on street
DUBAI: Dubai Police have imposed a AED50,000 fine on a guardian after a child was caught riding a recreational electric bike on a public street, officials confirmed. The incident occurred when traffic patrol officers stopped the child, who was accompanied by another minor, to prevent potential harm to themselves and other road users. The bike […]
IHC seeks government report on regulating social media use by children
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the federal government, seeking a detailed report on measures taken to regulate social media access for children under the age of 16. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, in a two-page written order, responded to a petition filed by minor Akbar Khan Shinwari through his father, which […]
Nine-year-old runner Kainat Khalil sparks debate over age rules, child safety in Pakistani athletics
KARACHI — Nine-year-old Kainat Khalil recent successes on Pakistan’s road runner circuit have drawn widespread attention — and controversy — highlighting inconsistencies in sports governance and child safety in Pakistani athletics Kainat was barred from officially competing in the 21-kilometre half marathon at the BYD Karachi Marathon 2026, despite having registered and finishing the race […]
TikTok faces EU fines for addictive features
The European Commission has warned TikTok to change its “addictive design” or face heavy fines. The EU found the platform breached the Digital Services Act, citing features that encourage compulsive use, particularly among minors. TikTok has rejected the findings, calling them “categorically false” and plans to challenge them. The EU investigation, launched in February 2024, […]
Neighbour held for kidnapping child, demands Rs3m ransom
PESHAWAR: Khazana Police in Peshawar on Friday arrested a man for allegedly kidnapping his seven-year-old neighbour’s child and demanding Rs3 million for the release, officials said. The child was safely recovered during the operation. Read More: CCTV footage surfaces showing child abduction from Civil Hospital According to police, the accused, who lived close to a local cloth […]
Australia to ban social media for teens starting December 10
Australia is set to make history as the first country to ban social media use for teens under the age of 16, with the law taking effect tomorrow, December 10. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube will be required to block over a million accounts belonging to underage users. Failure to comply could result […]