In an age where technology is seamlessly woven into the fabric of daily life, protecting the vulnerable youth who engage with online platforms is more crucial than ever.
On January 28, 2026, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) in Egypt raised the alarm regarding the escalating dangers posed by unregulated internet usage among children.
As more youths connect to social media networks, the risks of online exploitation, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content have sharply increased, threatening their mental health and overall well-being.
In this article, we will explore the urgent call by the NCCM for stricter internet safety regulations, examine the proposed legislative measures, and highlight the critical need for proactive strategies to educate both children and their families about safe digital practices.
Key Takeaways
- Egypt’s NCCM emphasizes the urgent need for internet safety regulations to protect children from online dangers.
- Half of Egypt’s youth under 18 are at risk of cyberbullying and exploitation due to unregulated social media usage.
- Legislators are responding to these concerns by drafting new laws to enhance protections for children online.
The Risks of Unregulated Internet Usage for Children
In today’s digital age, the rapid expansion of internet access has introduced a myriad of opportunities and challenges, especially for children.
On January 28, 2026, Egypt’s National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) issued a critical call for stricter internet regulations to safeguard young users from online threats.
Chairperson Sahar El-Senbati highlighted the dual nature of social media as both a learning platform and a potential hazard, citing the alarming statistic that half of Egypt’s youth under 18 are active on social media.
This pervasive engagement makes them vulnerable to issues such as cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content, which can significantly impact their mental health and overall behavior.
The NCCM’s recommendation to implement tighter restrictions on the sharing of children’s images and interaction through unauthorized digital channels emphasizes a proactive preventive strategy aimed at educating both children and families about digital safety.
Furthermore, this declaration aligns with a growing national dialogue within Egypt’s government regarding the implications of unregulated internet use on youth, prompting lawmakers to consider new legislation that would enforce stricter control measures and hold digital platforms accountable for the content they distribute to minors.
As the discourse around children’s internet safety progresses, it is essential for parents, educators, and lawmakers to collaborate in fostering a safer online environment for the next generation.
Proposed Regulatory Measures and Legislative Actions
In light of these concerns, the NCCM proposed several regulatory measures aimed at enhancing children’s safety online.
This includes a call for the implementation of age verification systems on popular social media platforms, which would restrict access to certain content based on the user’s age.
Additionally, they advocate for the creation of online educational programs that equip children with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely.
This could involve workshops in schools and community centers focused on digital literacy and resilience against cyber threats.
The integration of parental control features and monitoring tools is also recommended to empower parents to take an active role in their children’s online activities.
As the legislative process unfolds, it will be crucial for stakeholders, including tech companies, educational institutions, and child rights organizations, to engage in dialogue to establish comprehensive frameworks that prioritize child safety in the ever-evolving digital landscape.