UAE schools brace for change as under-15 social media rules reshape classrooms

As children return to classrooms for the new academic year, UAE schools are preparing for changes in students’ digital habits following new rules restricting social media access for children under 15.

Education and mental health experts say the changes could improve students’ wellbeing, concentration and face-to-face interaction. However, they also warn that some children may initially experience frustration, isolation and fear of missing out.

Schools Focus on Healthier Digital Habits

Claire Scowen, Vice President, Risk – Global Lead of Safeguarding and Child Protection at GEMS Education, said children who rely heavily on social media for friendships could initially feel worried about being excluded.
However, reduced access could create more opportunities for face-to-face interaction, physical activity and healthier routines.

She said children should understand why the restrictions are being introduced and receive support while adjusting to the changes.

Scowen also stressed that schools should distinguish between different types of screen use. Since technology remains an important part of education, the goal should be to develop healthy and balanced digital habits rather than eliminate screen time altogether.

From Online Pressure to Real-World Connections

Carolyn Yaffe, counsellor and cognitive behaviour therapist at Medcare Camali Clinic, said limiting social media could reduce online pressure, cyberbullying and constant social comparison.

Children may feel less pressure to create a perfect image online, potentially supporting their confidence and self-esteem.

However, social media can also help children communicate with friends, seek support and express themselves. Removing access could therefore leave some students feeling lonely or isolated.

Yaffe recommended encouraging children to take part in sports, arts, hobbies, after-school clubs and other activities that provide opportunities for social interaction and personal development.

Children May Experience Fear of Missing Out

Nashwa Tantawy, psychologist and managing director of Nafsology Psychology Center in Dubai, said restrictions could offer psychological benefits by reducing social comparison, cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content.

Children could also experience better sleep, stronger family relationships and greater engagement with hobbies and offline activities.

At the same time, she warned that removing social media from a child's daily routine could trigger frustration, boredom and anxiety, especially when their peers continue using social platforms.

Tantawy described this adjustment as a form of “social grief” and said parents should present the restrictions as a lifestyle change rather than a punishment.

Parents Can Help Children Adjust

Experts recommend preparing children before the restrictions take full effect and giving them opportunities to express their feelings.

Parents can help children maintain friendships through phone calls, face-to-face meetings, outings and shared activities.

They should also expect some resistance while maintaining clear boundaries and routines. Validating children's emotions while explaining the reasons behind the rules can make the transition easier.

Could Classrooms Become More Focused?

Reduced recreational social media use could also improve students’ concentration in the classroom.

Yaffe said social media platforms are designed to capture attention and repeatedly redirect users, which can make sustained focus more difficult.

With fewer distractions, students may be able to engage more deeply with lessons. Reduced screen use could also contribute to healthier sleep patterns, which can affect classroom participation.

Tantawy similarly said limiting recreational social media could help children rebuild sustained attention by reducing rapid stimulation and frequent interruptions.

However, experts emphasised that the wider goal should be balancing digital stimulation with physical activity, creativity and face-to-face interaction.

Digital Education Remains Important

Social media restrictions do not eliminate the need for children to learn how to use technology responsibly.

Scowen said students still need to understand privacy, digital footprints, misinformation, online behaviour and how algorithms influence the content they see.

Tantawy also highlighted the importance of teaching children to recognise manipulation and misinformation, protect personal information, establish healthy online boundaries and develop emotional self-regulation.

Yaffe said parents and teachers can support these skills by teaching children how to use privacy settings, assess the reliability of online information and communicate respectfully.

Schools and Parents Have a Key Role

As students return to school, experts say the success of the new restrictions will depend on more than simply limiting social media access.

Schools and parents will need to provide meaningful alternatives, including friendships, sports, hobbies, creative activities and classroom engagement.

The broader aim is to help children develop resilience, stronger offline relationships and healthy digital habits that will prepare them for greater independence online in the future.