“Mothers of Egypt: 93% of Parents Support Banning Social Media for Children Under 16”
Al-Gisr – Exclusive
Abir Ahmed, founder of the Mothers of Egypt Association for Educational Advancement and the Parents’ Coalition, stated that the results of a recent poll conducted by the association on Australia’s decision to ban children under 16 from using social media reflect strong concern among Egyptian families regarding protecting children from the negative effects of these platforms.
Ahmed explained in a press statement that she posed a direct question to parents via the association’s Facebook page: “After Australia decided to ban children under 16 from using social media… do you agree that a similar decision should be implemented here?”
Dozens of parents responded with varied opinions, highlighting the societal anxiety surrounding unregulated technology use among children and adolescents. The poll results showed that 93% supported implementing a similar ban in Egypt, viewing it as a protective measure against harmful content, while 7% favored regulation and supervision instead of a full ban.
Ahmed noted that the comments from parents contained important messages. One parent said: “Of course… and I also hope porn sites and TikTok are blocked for children aged 16–21,” reflecting concerns over harmful online content.
Another parent commented: “What is forbidden becomes desired… what we ban voluntarily will still be accessed… I support monitoring,” emphasizing the need for awareness alongside any policy.
Other comments included: “I wish… but unfortunately everything is linked to the phone now… homework and grading are all online… we used to learn with paper and pen,” and “I hope it is implemented… and also restrict tablet and mobile use during lessons and university lectures,” highlighting objections to excessive device use in education.
Yet another parent remarked: “I fully support it… but how can we do this when education is already tied to the internet and social media?” stressing the need for alternatives before implementing any ban.
Abir Ahmed emphasized that these opinions illustrate the varied realities Egyptian families face in managing technology use. She confirmed that the association will continue to raise awareness on such critical issues and promote digital literacy across the community.
She also stressed that monitoring children’s technology use has become an urgent necessity in today’s rapidly evolving digital world and highlighted the importance of ongoing education for children and adolescents on safe usage and self-protection, so that technology remains a tool for learning and development rather than a source of negative influence.
