Egyptian Lawmakers Take a Stand Against Social Media's 'Digital Chaos'
In a bold move to protect its young citizens, the Egyptian Parliament has announced plans to regulate children's exposure to social media. The decision comes on the heels of President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's call for lawmakers to pass a law limiting young people's use of social media until they reach an age when they can handle it properly.A Growing Concern: Social Media's Impact on Children
According to a 2024 report, about 50 percent of children under 18 in Egypt use social media platforms where they are likely exposed to harmful content, cyberbullying, and abuse. This alarming statistic has prompted lawmakers to take action and protect Egyptian children from the risks associated with excessive social media use.
A Global Trend: Countries Taking Steps to Regulate Social Media
Egypt is not alone in its efforts to regulate social media. Australia recently became the first country to ban social media for children under 16, while the British government has announced plans to consider banning young teenagers from social media and tightening laws designed to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time.
A Collaborative Effort: Lawmakers Working with Experts
Legislators will consult with the government and expert bodies to draft a law that protects Egyptian children from any risks that threaten their thought and behavior. This collaborative approach ensures that the new legislation is informed by the latest research and best practices in child development and social media regulation.
The Egyptian Parliament's decision to regulate children's exposure to social media marks a significant step towards protecting its young citizens from the potential harms of excessive social media use. As more countries follow suit, it is clear that the world is waking up to the need for responsible social media regulation and child protection.
