Khaberni - The first deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Khamees Atiyah, made a proposal to Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan regarding the regulation of social media for those under 16.
Atiyah added that with the widespread use of social media, especially the major ones in Jordan, and the increasing use of these platforms by children and teens at a young age, the risks to this group are also increasing. These include, but are not limited to, the emergence of various educational, psychological, and social challenges. Adolescents face cyberbullying, increasing rates of depression and anxiety, delays in academic achievement, exposure to culturally and morally inappropriate content, and increased online risks from exploitation and extortion. As many countries have endeavored to mitigate these risks, laws have been enacted to limit and regulate the use of social media and its negative effects, which can be described as a "big step" in protecting children and teens and has been supported and closely monitored by many countries.
Atiyah mentioned that recent studies (2025-2026) indicate that 96% of teenagers who use social media are under the age of 16, while 90% are between 15-17 years old. These alarming rates and numbers necessitate immediate and urgent government action, starting with banning the creation of new accounts and disabling the personal profiles of the targeted age group (under 16 years old), and collaborating with technology companies to provide effective protection tools.
Atiyah pointed out that achieving balance could allow the use of social media with parental consent, especially since some platforms are used for educational purposes and developing digital skills. He stressed the importance of raising digital awareness in schools for parents and students. At the same time, he called for a study of a proposal to enact legislation or a system that would limit or regulate the use of social media for those under 16, achieving a balance between protection and benefit. This would enable the government to challenge social media companies to develop multiple technologies to ensure user ages, reflecting attempts in many countries where rapid response from these companies has occurred within regulations that serve their identity and uphold community values, ensuring the upbringing of a conscious, balanced generation capable of using technology safely and responsibly.
