A significant cultural shift is emerging in the United Arab Emirates as increasing numbers of parents actively support their children’s participation in content creation, despite mounting concerns from child development experts about potential psychological risks. This phenomenon reflects the rapid normalization of social media as both entertainment and potential career path for the digital generation.
Across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok platforms, Emirati children are transitioning from occasional family photos to starring in daily vlogs, brand partnerships, and monetized content—often before comprehending the implications of maintaining a public audience. This trend has ignited intense debates surrounding consent, privacy boundaries, and long-term developmental impacts.
Parental perspectives vary considerably regarding this digital immersion. Monera A., a content creator whose children aged 9 and 11 regularly feature in her videos, emphasizes careful management of filming schedules and voluntary participation. “They derive genuine enjoyment from the creative process,” she noted, “particularly when collaborative content outperforms solo efforts.”
Other families approach content creation as strategic financial planning. Bassam (pseudonym) revealed that revenue generated from videos featuring his children is being systematically saved for their future, regardless of whether they pursue content creation professionally. “This generation embraces non-traditional careers,” he observed, expressing concern about children being “left behind” in an increasingly digital economy.
Recognizing the industry’s expansion, UAE authorities have implemented robust legal safeguards through the Federal Decree Law on Child Digital Safety. This legislation mandates that both guardians and digital platforms prioritize minor protection through age-appropriate technology use and comprehensive risk mitigation.
Child psychologists however voice substantial concerns. Dr. Mizan Mohamed warns that early association of self-worth with public validation metrics—likes, views, and comments—may foster fragile identity formation. “Children risk developing anxiety around performance metrics that even adults struggle with,” he explained. The constant public exposure of childhood experiences may furthermore blur boundaries between personal authenticity and performative behavior, potentially hindering autonomous identity development.
Experts recommend that parents establish firm participatory boundaries, legally protect children’s earnings, and regularly reassess whether continued online presence serves the child’s best interests rather than audience growth metrics. They emphasize that digital participation should remain adaptable to children’s evolving preferences and psychological needs.