UAE Parents Support Meta's Child-Safety Measures

Aug 27, 2026

82 min

Aug 27, 2026 12:31

UAE parents welcome Meta’s $18 billion child-safety deal and midnight social media shutdown: ‘Pressure is off us’

## Meta's New Child-Safety Initiative

Meta has agreed to an $18 billion settlement in the US, introducing significant changes to how children use its platforms. This includes blocking Facebook and Instagram access from midnight to 6am, disabling notifications during school hours, and limiting daily use to two hours unless overridden by a parent.

## UAE Parents' Reactions

Parents in the UAE have expressed relief over these measures, seeing them as a way to reduce late-night screen time battles. Many feel that tech companies should share the responsibility of managing children's social media use, which has traditionally fallen on parents.

Nicole Akalla, a Dubai-based parent, appreciates the automatic restrictions, which she believes will alleviate the pressure on families to enforce screen time rules. Similarly, Sharrah Khilawala supports the initiative, noting that it could help establish sensible boundaries for children.

## Concerns and Challenges

Despite the positive reception, some parents, like Chris Baby, emphasize the need to differentiate between social media and educational screen time. She supports the restrictions but stresses the importance of educational use.

Alison Rego, another parent, highlights the importance of parental involvement and setting boundaries at home. She believes that while tech companies can help, the ultimate responsibility lies with parents.

## Expert Opinions

Psychologist Dr. Sneha John and behavioral specialist Laura Brennan emphasize the importance of setting consistent rules and involving children in decision-making. They warn that sudden changes in screen time routines could disrupt children's established habits.

Overall, while Meta's measures are seen as a step forward, parents and experts agree that ongoing efforts at home are crucial to effectively manage children's screen time and social media use.

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