The Global Fatwa Index (GFI) affiliated with Dar Al-Ifta Egypt and the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide confirmed that the growing move by several countries, especially the United Kingdom, to introduce laws restricting social media use among children under the age of sixteen represents an important step toward protecting children from psychological, intellectual, and behavioral risks caused by uncontrolled use of digital platforms.

Preventive Digital Awareness as a Key to Addressing Risks

The index explained that these international measures align with Dar Al-Ifta Egypt’s approach to promoting preventive digital awareness, which focuses on preventing harm before it occurs by building a responsible digital culture that helps children and families use technology safely.

It added that the "preventive digital fatwa" approach aims to develop religious guidance in a way that responds to modern digital challenges while strengthening awareness alongside issuing religious rulings.

The UK Moves Toward Stricter Controls on Children’s Social Media Use

The report noted that the British government’s plans are based on scientific studies showing increasing negative effects of uncontrolled social media use on children’s mental health and social behavior.

The government intends to require technology companies to verify users’ ages and prevent those under 16 from creating or accessing accounts, with the UK communications regulator responsible for monitoring the implementation of these measures.

Broad Public Support

These measures were based on extensive public consultations involving more than 116,000 parents, technology sector representatives, and young people. The results showed:

• 80% of parents believe social media negatively affects their children.
• 77% support banning social media use for those under 16.
• 88% believe technology companies should take greater responsibility for protecting children.
• 38% reported that their children had already experienced negative effects from social media use.

European Surveys Support Stronger Digital Restrictions

The report stated that another survey conducted across six European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain, showed that around 79% of participants support banning social media use for children under 16.

The results reflect a clear shift in European public opinion toward establishing stronger protections for children in the digital environment.

Islamic Institutions Emphasize Shared Responsibility for Child Protection

The index monitored growing interest among Islamic institutions and centers, particularly in the UK, regarding the protection of children from the risks of early social media exposure.

These institutions emphasized the role of families in guiding children, providing responsible supervision, and promoting a culture of safe technology use.

They also warned about the psychological and behavioral consequences of uncontrolled digital exposure, including digital addiction, cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and negative effects on children’s values and behavior.

Muslim Council of Britain Welcomes New Measures

The Muslim Council of Britain welcomed efforts to strengthen regulations on children’s social media use, describing them as an important step toward protecting children’s physical and mental well-being.

The council emphasized that the success of these measures requires spreading digital awareness and increasing technology companies’ responsibility for creating safer online environments.

Dar Al-Ifta’s Experience Preceded Global Developments

The report highlighted that Dar Al-Ifta Egypt has launched awareness initiatives targeting children, young people, and parents for years, based on the belief that intellectual and behavioral protection should begin before harm occurs.

The institution has worked to develop a religious message that combines Islamic principles with a deep understanding of technological changes and the ability to communicate with younger generations through modern tools.

The report also noted that Dar Al-Ifta previously warned about the dangers of certain electronic games and their potential impact on children, including digital addiction, exposure to unsafe online environments, and risks associated with online chats.

These efforts have coincided with broader awareness campaigns and regulatory actions aimed at creating a safer digital environment for children.

Why does Dar Al-Ifta support restricting social media use for children under 16?

Because it helps protect children from psychological, behavioral, and intellectual risks caused by uncontrolled digital platform use.

What is preventive digital awareness?

It is an approach focused on educating children and families about safe technology use before digital risks occur.

What are the main risks children face on social media?

They include digital addiction, cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, online exploitation, and negative effects on mental health.

What measures is the UK proposing to protect children?

The UK plans to prevent children under 16 from using social media platforms and require companies to verify users’ ages.

How has Dar Al-Ifta contributed to digital child protection?

It has launched awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and warnings about the risks of unsafe digital platforms and electronic games to promote responsible digital behavior.