Egyptian lawmakers are initiating legislative measures to control minors’ access to social media platforms, responding to growing concerns about digital exposure risks. The House of Representatives announced Sunday it would develop comprehensive regulations addressing what it termed ‘digital chaos’ affecting Egyptian youth.
The parliamentary initiative follows direct instructions from President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who urged government officials during televised remarks to study international approaches to social media restrictions for children. The president specifically referenced Australia and the United Kingdom as models for potential legislation.
According to recent data from the National Center for Social and Criminological Research, approximately half of Egypt’s under-18 population engages with social media platforms. The 2024 report highlights significant exposure risks including harmful content, cyberbullying, and various forms of digital abuse.
The proposed legislation will involve consultations with government agencies and expert organizations to create protective measures safeguarding children’s cognitive development and behavioral patterns. This move aligns with global trends, as Australia implemented groundbreaking restrictions in December prohibiting social media access for children under 16, while Britain and France consider similar age-based limitations.
The Egyptian initiative reflects growing international consensus regarding the need for balanced approaches to digital protection that address both child safety concerns and developmental considerations.