Maryam Hassani, Head of Trends and innovation at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), explains that startups play a crucial role in helping children stay safe online by developing innovative technologies, educational tools, and parental control solutions that protect young users from cyber threats.
Technology has evolved unprecedentedly in recent years, dramatically changing how children learn, communicate, and entertain themselves. The rise of smartphones, social media, artificial intelligence, and interactive digital platforms has made technology more accessible, profoundly shaping childhood experiences. While these advancements bring numerous benefits—such as enhancing educational tools, enabling global connectivity, and fostering creativity—they also present new challenges. These challenges include screen addiction, cyberbullying, and online privacy risks. As digital landscapes continue to evolve, it is imperative that parents, educators, and society at large guide children in using technology responsibly, ensuring they benefit from its opportunities while remaining safe in an increasingly connected world.
The key to balancing children’s well-being in this digital era is not to demonize technology but to educate children on how to interact with it in a healthy, productive manner. Teaching children about online safety involves fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries, and engaging them in hands-on learning. It is essential to explain the risks associated with sharing personal information online, teach privacy practices, encourage recognizing and reporting bullying behaviors, and promote respectful and responsible digital engagement. Interactive resources, such as games and courses focused on cybersecurity, coding, and ethical online behavior, are excellent tools to teach children about safe and responsible technology use.
How Startups Are Shaping Children’s Online Safety
Startups are at the forefront of developing innovative solutions that protect children in the digital age. By creating educational tools, safety technologies, and parental control solutions, startups help safeguard young users from cyber threats. Many of these solutions incorporate AI-powered content moderation, real-time monitoring, and privacy-enhancing features designed to protect children from harmful content, cyberbullying, and online predators. In addition, many startups have developed interactive learning platforms that teach digital literacy, empowering children to navigate the online world safely.
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) has actively promoted initiatives to create a safer digital environment for children in the UAE. As part of its efforts, the ECA collaborates with various local and international entities to support the development of child-centric digital policies, foster digital literacy, and promote safe online practices. Its Early Childhood Development Strategy outlines comprehensive guidelines for creating a balanced approach to screen time, digital content, and online interactions for young children. This strategy encourages combining digital and non-digital activities to support a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.
UAE-Centric Digital Well-being Initiatives
The UAE government, particularly in Abu Dhabi, has also introduced several key measures to ensure children grow up in a balanced, safe digital environment. During the recent World Government Summit, UAE Children’s Digital Wellbeing Pact was signed to promote a safe and balanced environment for children in the digital world in line with the directives of the country’s leadership. The efforts are aimed at building a sustainable digital society that takes into account the needs of future generations.
The Pact, the first of its kind in the region, was facilitated by the Digital Wellbeing Council and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, with strategic partners including the Ministry of Interior’s Office of International Affairs, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, and the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications office. Members of the Pact include tech and content platforms, social media channels, and telecom providers such as Snapchat, Meta, Google, TikTok, X, Yango, Samsung, e& and du.
Additionally, research and guidelines on responsibly integrating technology into early childhood education are available for parents. The Child Online Protection Guide, for example, provides parents practical advice on encouraging effective screen use among children. According to the Guide, which is aligned with international guidelines, children aged 2-5 years should spend no more than 60 minutes on a screen per day. While for children between 5-8 years, the recommended limit is 120 minutes per day. Parents and caregivers should also schedule frequent screen breaks, so children do not interact with screens for more than thirty minutes at a time.
Startups based in the UAE also play a vital role in shaping the future of children’s well-being in the digital era. Among the standout companies supported by the ECA’s initiative, the Anjal Z Program, is Storytailor, which is revolutionizing children’s literature through personalized storytelling. Storybutton offers a delightful screenless audio player designed to captivate young listeners. This clever device delivers a range of audio content—from podcasts and audiobooks to original stories—all without the distraction of screens. The focus here is on enriching children’s imagination and encouraging immersive listening experiences.
Another standout startup, Zenimal, offers a portable device that provides guided meditations and sleep sounds, which help children unwind, manage stress and improve focus. This device promotes mental wellness by giving children a peaceful, calming experience without the overstimulation often associated with screen usage.
Encouraging Responsible Use of Technology at Home
Parents and educators in the UAE are increasingly mindful of the need to set healthy examples regarding technology use. The UAE’s growing emphasis on digital wellness has prompted many families to adopt more balanced approaches to screen time. Parents are encouraged to spend quality time with their children on and off screens. This includes setting aside time for outdoor play, family activities, and educational experiences that do not rely on technology.
Parents must model healthy tech habits, as children often mimic adult behavior. Children who see their parents constantly glued to their phones are more likely to adopt similar habits. By setting clear boundaries around device usage and emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions, parents can help their children develop a more responsible and mindful relationship with technology.
In the UAE, the balance between embracing technological advancements and ensuring the well-being of children remains a priority. Startups, educational institutions and government bodies are working together to create a safer digital environment where children can learn, explore, and grow in ways that enrich their lives without compromising their mental, emotional, and social well-being. As the digital landscape evolves, the UAE remains committed to prioritizing children’s well-being, ensuring a safer and healthier future for the next generation.
