The Egyptian House of Representatives has officially begun drafting new regulations to govern how children interact with social media. This legislative push aims to address what lawmakers describe as “digital chaos.” Consequently, Egypt is joining a growing global movement to restrict minors’ access to online platforms.
Combatting “Digital Chaos”
On Sunday, the House of Representatives released a statement confirming its intent to develop a robust legal framework. This legislation aims to mitigate the negative impacts of social media on the youth. Furthermore, the primary goal is to protect the “thoughts and behavior” of Egyptian children from online threats that could jeopardize their future development.
The legislative process will involve close collaboration with government agencies and subject-matter experts. This collective effort seeks to establish clear boundaries for digital engagement among minors.
Presidential Call for Action
This parliamentary move follows recent televised remarks by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. On Saturday, the President urged the government and the legislature to consider age-specific restrictions on social media use.
“Children should only access these platforms once they reach an age when they can handle them properly,” the President noted.
President El-Sissi specifically referenced international precedents during his address. He cited the United Kingdom and Australia as prime examples of nations currently pursuing similar bans or restrictive measures.
The Scale of the Problem
According to a 2024 report by the National Center for Social and Criminological Research, approximately 50% of Egyptians under the age of 18 are active on social media. This high engagement rate has raised serious alarms regarding:
- Exposure to harmful content: Frequent contact with age-inappropriate material.
- Rising rates of cyberbullying: Increased harassment among peers.
- Risk of online abuse: Vulnerability to predators and digital exploitation.
Global Context: A Growing Trend
Egypt’s proposed law aligns with a wave of international regulations designed to protect younger generations from the psychological and social risks of the internet. Other nations taking action include:
- Australia: This country became the first nation to implement a full ban for children under the age of 16.
- United Kingdom: Officials are currently considering a ban for young teenagers while simultaneously tightening screen-time laws.
- France: President Macron is fast-tracking a ban for those under 15, which is targeted for enforcement by September
