Egypt’s parliament has announced plans to draft legislation regulating children’s use of social media, aiming to mitigate the psychological and behavioral risks associated with early digital exposure.
The House of Representatives disclosed the move in an official statement, noting that lawmakers will consult with the government and specialized institutions to design an appropriate legal framework. The framework is expected to establish mechanisms to control children’s access to social platforms and regulate the practices of digital companies operating in Egypt.
The initiative follows a directive from President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, who called on authorities to examine restrictions on children’s social media use. The president emphasized that limits should be considered until minors reach an age at which they can manage these digital tools responsibly.
Egypt’s approach aligns with a growing global debate on protecting minors online. Several countries have already introduced measures: France’s National Assembly recently approved a bill banning social media for children under 15, while Australia enacted a law in December 2025 prohibiting access for children under 16 and imposing heavy fines on platforms that fail to comply.
Online child protection remains uneven across Africa. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) reported that only 39 African countries had adopted a national child online protection strategy in 2024. About 32% were in the drafting phase, while 41% had taken no action. This contrasts sharply with rapid digital growth, with one child worldwide connecting to the internet for the first time every half-second.
In Egypt, such legislation could strengthen safeguards against digital risks including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and social pressure associated with intensive screen use.
However, challenges remain. MP Amira El-Adly highlighted the lack of reliable data on children’s internet usage in Egypt, as well as insufficient verified research on psychological and behavioral impacts. She noted that this data gap could complicate efforts to create a framework that is effective, balanced, and enforceable.
