Egypt to Draft Law Protecting Kids from Social Media Harm

Egypt is joining a growing global movement to shield children from the dangers of unregulated social media access.

The country's House of Representatives announced plans on January 25, 2026, to introduce legislation that will control how children use social media platforms. The move comes as lawmakers recognize the serious psychological and behavioral risks facing young Egyptians, including digital addiction that can harm developing minds.

Parliament praised the government's initiative to draft comprehensive rules for children's social media use. The proposed law would place Egypt alongside nations like Australia, which recently banned children from creating YouTube accounts and restricted access to various platforms.

The House emphasized that protecting children from digital chaos has become an urgent priority. Excessive screen time and unsupervised social media exposure have been linked to anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors in young people worldwide.

Egyptian lawmakers said they will work within constitutional guidelines to study and pass the legislation quickly. The parliament's statement highlighted that the state recognizes the unique challenges facing today's children, who navigate online spaces that didn't exist when current regulations were written.

The proposed rules could include restrictions on mobile phone use for minors and age verification requirements for social media accounts. While specific details haven't been released, the legislation aims to create clear boundaries that help families manage their children's digital lives.

The Ripple Effect

Egypt's decision reflects a worldwide reckoning with social media's impact on youth mental health. Countries across Europe, Asia, and North America have begun implementing similar protections as evidence mounts about the harm unrestricted access can cause.

When nations establish these safeguards, they send a powerful message that children's wellbeing matters more than tech companies' bottom lines. Egypt's legislation could inspire other Middle Eastern and North African countries to follow suit, creating a regional standard for child protection online.

The law also acknowledges what parents have known for years: managing children's digital exposure shouldn't fall solely on families. By creating legal frameworks, governments give parents backup and establish consequences for platforms that target vulnerable young users.

As Egypt moves forward with this legislation, millions of children may soon grow up with healthier relationships to technology and stronger mental health foundations.