The United Arab Emirates has launched a pioneering initiative aimed at safeguarding children’s digital wellbeing. The UAE Children’s Digital Wellbeing Pact, signed during the World Government Summit in Dubai, brings together government entities and private organizations to create a safer and more supportive online environment for children.
The pact was signed in the presence of His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Interior and Chairman of the Digital Wellbeing Council; H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; and H.E. Sana bint Mohamed Suhail, Minister of Family Affairs and ECA’s Director General.
Recognizing the increasing risks associated with children’s online activities, the pact aims to promote a safe and age-appropriate online environment, minimize exposure to harmful content, and protect children from cyberbullying. Excessive screen time and online safety are key concerns, with studies indicating a link between prolonged screen use and health issues in children, and reports showing a significant percentage of children experiencing cyberbullying.
His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the shared responsibility of protecting children in the digital world, stating that “it has become necessary to establish clear frameworks and effective implementation mechanisms to protect children from harmful content and increasing digital challenges.”
The pact is a collaborative effort facilitated by the Digital Wellbeing Council and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, with strategic partners including the Office of International Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, and the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications office. A notable group of technology and content platforms, social media channels, and internet and telecommunications providers have also joined the pact, including Snapchat, Meta, Google, TikTok, X, Yango, Samsung, e& and du.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, highlighted the importance of protecting children’s digital wellbeing, stating that “ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing online directly contributes to building a secure and prosperous society that leverages technology positively.”
Jawaher Abdelhamid, Regional Head of Public Policy for the Middle East and Africa at Snap Inc., expressed Snapchat’s commitment to the initiative, stating, “We feel proud to undertake a leading role in the development and execution of the UAE’s first Children’s Digital Wellbeing Pact.”
The pact outlines several key areas of focus:
- Enhanced Collaboration: Developing clear mechanisms to protect children from physical and psychological harm, and enhancing supervision of digital content targeting them.
- Data Protection: Protecting children’s data and privacy within the digital ecosystem, including promoting transparency through continuous reporting and evaluation.
- Content Regulation: Developing effective strategies to reduce the promotion of harmful content, tailored to different age groups.
- Digital Literacy: Supporting digital literacy programs and educational initiatives to equip children and parents with safe online practices.
- Research and Development: Facilitating the exchange of expertise and investment in research to address emerging risks associated with technological advancements.
- Technological Solutions: Exchanging information on advanced technological methods to provide a safer online environment, including age verification tools, privacy-enhancing features, and incident response mechanisms.
The UAE Children’s Digital Wellbeing Pact marks a significant step towards creating a more responsible and secure digital environment for children in the region, fostering a collaborative approach to address the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
