UAE and Saudi Arabia Take Legal Action Against Bullying of a Child with Disabilities

The National Media Authority in the UAE announced that it has taken legal action against an individual who posted a video showing the bullying of a child with disabilities, after coordinating with the social media platform, neutralizing the content, and notifying the competent authorities to take legal measures. The authority stated that the video contained "inappropriate insinuations that violate the values and morals of society."

In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development stated that the complaint regarding the bullying incident was referred to the competent authorities to take measures in accordance with the Child Protection Law in the Kingdom, following an appeal from the child's father for an investigation and justice. The ministry noted that the child, who is under 15 years old, is categorized among "people of determination," and that the publishing account has removed the post and the video.

The UAE's action is based on Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 concerning child rights, known as the "Wadeema Law," which covers children of citizens and residents and addresses physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. Lawyer Nikhat Sardar Khan stated that the law "does not explicitly use the word bullying, but bullying can fall under its provisions," noting that Article 36 prohibits acts of cruelty that affect a child's emotional, psychological, and mental balance, while Article 69 imposes a sentence of no less than one year and a fine ranging between 50,000 and 100,000 AED.

The case file is further reinforced by newer legislative frameworks, including the Cybercrime Law, which imposes a penalty of at least one year imprisonment and a fine of no less than 100,000 AED, and Law No. 26 of 2025 on Child Digital Safety, which tightens protection against online risks and obligates internet service providers and digital platforms operating in or targeting the UAE to comply with its provisions. This concerns families and social media users in the region, establishing clearer accountability for platforms regarding offensive content.

What do these terms mean?

Bullying: Repeated and intentional harm inflicted on a weaker person; it is described as cyberbullying when conducted via the internet or social media platforms.

Child Protection Law: A framework of laws protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and defining penalties for violators.

Cybercrime: Legally punishable acts committed online, such as defamation, bullying, or publishing offensive content.

Child Digital Safety: A framework obligating platforms and internet providers to protect children from online risks and harmful content.