Egypt Cracks Down on Teen Social Media Access

Egypt has initiated steps to restrict social media access for young teenagers, citing concerns over digital safety and exposure to harmful content. Lawmakers described the move as a necessary step to combat what they called “digital chaos” impacting children’s mental health and development.

The initiative, backed by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi, aims to prevent children from using social media until they reach an age where they can navigate platforms safely. Authorities are consulting experts and drafting legislation to enforce the ban effectively.

A 2024 report revealed that half of Egyptian minors under 18 are active on social media, exposing them to risks such as cyberbullying, scams, harmful content, and privacy violations.

How the Policy Will Work: “What Automatic Restrictions Mean for Teens”

Age Verification: Platforms will be required to verify users’ age before allowing access.

Access Limits: Children below the legal age will be blocked from logging in or creating accounts.

Enforcement Mechanisms: Authorities may impose fines or operational restrictions on platforms that fail to comply.

Monitoring & Reporting: Lawmakers plan to track compliance and publicize violations to encourage accountability.

The law is designed to protect children while allowing older teenagers and adults full access. President El-Sissi encouraged lawmakers to study Australia’s under-16 ban and the UK’s planned restrictions, tailoring global best practices to Egypt’s context.

Africa Comparison Angle

Egypt’s potential ban would make it the first African country to impose a nationwide age restriction on social media platforms. While countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria have regulations on children’s data and online privacy, none have enforced age-based social media restrictions.

Experts argue that Egypt’s move could set a regional precedent, prompting other African governments to evaluate stricter digital protections for minors. This could influence platform policies and online safety measures across the continent, particularly in countries with high youth internet penetration.

Global Context

The policy aligns with a growing international trend:

Australia banned social media use for children under 16 in December 2025.

United Kingdom plans restrictions for children under 13–16 and stricter content controls.

France is preparing a ban for children under 15, effective from September 2026.

Countries across Denmark, Malaysia, Norway, South Korea, Spain, and some U.S. states are considering similar measures, highlighting increasing global concern about minors’ safety online.

Key Takeaway

Egypt’s decision reflects rising global and regional pressure to protect children from the risks of digital platforms. While social media remains a critical tool for information, communication, and learning, governments are seeking ways to balance innovation with safety—especially for minors.