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While I do support banning social media for children under the age of 15 – as several countries have already implemented similar laws – it still makes me sad that there doesn’t seem to be a truly safe space for them online anymore. I grew up on the Internet, mostly playing flash games and spending time in child‑friendly online worlds like Club Penguin, where kids from around the world could interact under strict safety policies designed to protect young users.
However, it feels like children today aren’t safe even in platforms that are supposedly built for them.
Not too long ago, Gulf countries such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia restricted or fully banned the online gaming platform Roblox, which is widely used across different age groups but primarily marketed towards children. The bans were introduced due to concerns over harmful content and inappropriate behaviour. They were only lifted after Roblox agreed to implement stricter measures to safeguard its underage players.
But my question is: why does something extreme have to happen before these companies pay attention and genuinely prioritise protecting young users?
More broadly, there seems to be a significant lack of child‑friendly spaces – both online and offline.
I could be wrong, but it often feels like there are more workshops, activities, and events geared towards adults than towards children. The new generation seems to have very few places outside of school where they can spend time with friends, and the options that do exist often feel limited or outdated.
When Chuck E Cheese opened in the kingdom, I thought it was a great step forward – a modern play area designed specifically for children of all ages. But then it closed down and never reopened.
Bahrain needs more child‑friendly spaces that cater to the interests and needs of today’s kids, and I truly hope to see more safe, well‑designed online environments for them in the future as well.
Ameera
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