Egypt begins process to ban social media for teens

Egyptian lawmakers have initiated the process of banning the use of social media platforms by young teens. They describe it as an unsafe exposure affecting children in the country.

In a statement made on Sunday night, the Egyptian Parliament stated that lawmakers are looking into ways to regulate children’s use of social media and combat what it tagged as “digital chaos”. 

The Parliament has already received the backing of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi, who had urged both lawmakers and the government to consider legislation restricting young teens’ use of social media platforms until they reach an age when they can handle it properly.

The president also urged his government to look at other countries, including Australia, which has imposed a ban, and the United Kingdom, which is working on a law to “restrict or ban” children from social media.

Lawmakers expressed that consultations are ongoing with the government and expert bodies on drafting a law to protect Egyptian children from “any risks that threaten their thoughts and behaviour.”

A 2024 report revealed that about 50% of children under-18 in Egypt use social media platforms where they are likely exposed to harmful content, cyberbullying and abuse. 

For Egypt, the country wants to protect young ones and take them out of a digital environment which has a long record of abuse, receiving less control from parents and exposure of children to online attacks.

With this, Egypt is taking shape to become the first African country to ban young teens from social interaction platforms.

Also Read: Like Australia, should Nigeria ban social media for under-16s? Experts share opinions.

More countries are considering social media ban for children

The actions come amid recent concerns over the impact of social media platforms on the safety of children. This has seen some countries, especially Western nations, in the process of banning the use of young teenagers. 

Social media platforms are a key driver of peer pressure and anxiety, and also a medium for scammers who mostly target minors with their online attacks. 

In December 2025, Australia became the first country to impose a ban. The law bans persons under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. The law has been effective since December 10.

While these interactive platforms have become essential tools to access information and form a major part of global connections, negatives abound from their usage. Issues with low productivity associated with addiction, the spread of misinformation, cyberbullying, and privacy risks have raised questions around its usage by minors.

Aside from Australia, the United Kingdom also said it will consider banning young teenagers from these platforms. It will also tighten laws designed to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time.

Also, French President Emmanuel Macron has urged his government to fast-track the legal process to ensure a social media ban for children under 15. The French government is planning to enforce the law at the start of the next school year in September.

Other countries, including Denmark, Malaysia, Norway, South Korea, Spain and some US states, are already considering implementing something similar in 2026. 

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