Abu dhabi: The Education, Human Development and Community Development Council held its second meeting of 2026, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Chairman of the Council. Present at the meeting was H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-Chairperson of the Council.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting focused on high-priority topics including the regulation of children's use of social media, the promotion of robust digital safety measures, the development of education policies and curricula, and the results of students' standardized assessments. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted that regulating children's use of social media is a national responsibility that necessitates clear frameworks to align with technological advances and ensure a safe digital environment for future generations.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah elaborated on a phased, risk-based implementation strategy prioritizing social media platforms. This strategy includes age-based access regulations to address the distinct needs and developmental stages of children, aiming to balance the opportunities of modern technologies with the protection of societal values. The Chairman also emphasized the integration of policies related to children, community, and education to strengthen family and social stability.
The Council Chairman stressed the real impact of policies is seen in their ability to build confident individuals equipped with necessary skills for national development. He underscored the importance of formulating national policies responsive to the unique characteristics of Emirati society and adaptable to global transformations to ensure sustainable impact and enhance quality of life.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah also highlighted the need for community awareness and effective integration among stakeholders in regulating children's social media use. This includes engagement across various sectors to establish a balanced framework combining regulation with empowerment for responsible technology use.
H.H. Sheikha Mariam emphasized empowering families in addressing digital transformations, equipping them with tools and knowledge to navigate changes responsibly, thereby fostering healthy digital habits among children. She highlighted that regulation should also consider the impact on family relationships, communication quality, and children's engagement in real-life activities.
Sheikha Mariam stressed the importance of early intervention to cultivate healthy digital habits and mitigate adverse effects on development. She noted that families play a crucial role in modeling digital conduct, regulating screen time, and fostering dialogue.
The meeting, held virtually, included several ministers and officials who discussed various initiatives. Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, presented the national plan to enhance child digital safety, emphasizing a comprehensive framework that transitions from general awareness to an integrated system of regulation and empowerment.
The meeting also addressed public education developments, as presented by Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of Education. She highlighted the importance of aligning educational frameworks with national identity and future requirements, emphasizing coherence across the education system and leveraging assessment data to inform curriculum development.
The meeting was part of efforts to reinforce the integration of educational, developmental, and social policies, aligning with 2026 as the Year of Family. This initiative underscores the UAE's commitment to strengthening family stability, safeguarding future generations, and advancing sustained investment in human capital and knowledge.
