Cairo, Egypt – The Egyptian Parliament has announced plans to draft legislation aimed at regulating children’s exposure to what it described as the “digital chaos” of social media.
The move follows a televised appeal by President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on Saturday, urging lawmakers to pass a law limiting young people’s use of social platforms “until they reach an age when they can handle it properly.”
Legislative Process Underway
In a statement issued late Sunday, the House of Representatives confirmed that legislators will consult with government agencies and expert bodies to design a law that protects children from risks that threaten their thought and behavior.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people. A 2024 report revealed that about 50 percent of Egyptian children under 18 use social media platforms, where they are vulnerable to harmful content, cyberbullying, and abuse.
Global Context
Egypt’s proposed legislation mirrors similar debates unfolding worldwide:
- Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025, sparking heated discussions about privacy, child safety, and mental health.
- The United Kingdom has signaled it may consider banning young teenagers from social media while tightening protections against harmful content and excessive screen time.
- In France, President Emmanuel Macron has urged his government to fast-track legislation to ban social media for children under 15, aiming for enforcement by the start of the next school year in September 2026.
President’s Call for Action
President el-Sissi pointed to these international examples, stressing the urgency of adopting similar measures in Egypt. He argued that unchecked exposure to social media poses risks to children’s mental health, behavior, and development.
Conclusion
As Egypt begins drafting its legislation, the country joins a growing global conversation about how best to balance technology use with child protection. With half of Egypt’s youth already active on social platforms, the proposed law could mark a significant shift in how the nation approaches digital safety and regulation.
