New global research from The Varkey Foundation‘s Family First initiative reveals that 63 per cent of UAE parents support a social media ban for under 16s, while children remain more divided on the issue.
The findings follow the introduction of a landmark restriction in Australia and come as more than two dozen countries consider similar measures. The study highlights a growing global debate around the role of social media in young people’s lives and its impact on family relationships.
Generational Divide in Attitudes
In the UAE, 45 percent of children aged 9 to 18 support a ban, compared to 63 percent of parents, creating an 18 point gap between generations. Meanwhile, 33 percent of children oppose the idea, and 22 percent remain undecided.
Globally, only 37 percent of children support a ban. Support among young people is highest in Malaysia and India at 62 percent, followed by China at 50 percent. The lowest levels of support are recorded in Japan at 20 percent, and in Argentina and Sweden at 26 percent.
Among parents, support for a ban is strongest in Malaysia at 77 percent, India at 75 percent and France at 74 percent. Japan records the lowest parental support at 38 percent, followed by Nigeria at 39 percent and the United States at 51 percent.
Gen Z Perspectives on Social Media Restrictions
The research also highlights notable support among Gen Z, the first generation to grow up fully immersed in digital platforms. In the UAE, 67 percent of Gen Z respondents support a social media ban for under 16s, the second highest globally after India at 73 percent.
Worldwide, 51 percent of Gen Z respondents back a ban. Support is lowest in Japan at 28 percent, and in the United Kingdom and Canada at 40 percent.
A Broader Conversation on Family and Technology
Sunny Varkey, Founder of Family First and the Varkey Foundation, said:
“This research highlights a growing tension many families are experiencing in the digital age. Parents throughout the world are increasingly concerned about the impact social media may be having on their children. Our aim with Family First is not simply to debate bans, but to start a broader conversation about how technology is shaping family relationships and the values young people grow up with. If we want stronger families tomorrow, we must help children develop healthy relationships with technology today.”
About The Research
Family First commissioned research agency We Are Family to conduct the survey, gathering responses from more than 6,000 parents, 6,000 children aged 9 to 18, 3,000 grandparents and 3,000 Gen Z participants during January and February 2026.
The study spans 15 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Sweden, UAE, UK and US. The full findings, including the first Family Bonding Index, are set to be published in June.
About Family First
Family First is a global movement launched by the Varkey Foundation to strengthen intergenerational bonds between children, parents and grandparents, with the aim of building stronger communities across generations. Founded by Sunny Varkey, the initiative reflects a long standing commitment to promoting family values and fostering stronger connections that contribute to healthier and more supportive societies.
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Further Reading:
- Sunny Varkey Contributes AED 100m to Awqaf Abu Dhabi’s Mother of the Nation Endowment for Orphans
- GEMS Education Opens GEMS Rewards App to all UAE Residents in Community Support Initiative