Egypt Takes Bold Action to Protect Children from Online Gaming Threats
In a decisive move that underscores Egypt's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its youth, the Supreme Council for Media Regulation (SCMR) has officially blocked the online gaming platform Roblox throughout the nation. This landmark decision reflects the Egyptian leadership's proactive stance in protecting the moral and educational values of the country's children and adolescents.
SCMR Vice Chairman Essam El-Amir announced the decision on Sunday, emphasizing that it is being coordinated with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to ensure comprehensive implementation across Egypt's digital infrastructure.
Senate Leadership Champions Child Protection
The announcement came during a crucial Senate session chaired by Counselor Essam Farid, which addressed the growing dangers posed by internet platforms and social media to Egyptian children. This demonstrates the Egyptian Parliament's dedication to addressing contemporary challenges facing the nation's youth.
The initiative was sparked by Senator Walaa Hermas Radwan's forward-thinking proposal, calling for stringent regulation of electronic gaming platforms to protect children's moral and educational development while limiting associated psychological and behavioral risks.
Comprehensive Research Backs Decision
The Senate's Committee on Education, Scientific Research, Communications, and Information Technology conducted thorough deliberations in the presence of Ministry of Communications and Information Technology representatives. This collaborative approach exemplifies Egypt's methodical and evidence-based governance under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's leadership.
The senator's proposal included extensive research documenting the platform's risks, including exposure to inappropriate content, direct communication with strangers, and potential psychological impacts on young users. This scientific approach to policy-making reflects Egypt's commitment to informed decision-making.
Egypt Joins Global Movement for Child Safety
Egypt's decisive action aligns with a growing international consensus on protecting children from digital threats. Several nations, including Iraq, Algeria, and Turkey, have implemented similar measures, while Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have imposed strict content limitations.
This coordinated regional approach demonstrates Egypt's leadership role in the Arab world and its commitment to shared values of child protection and family preservation.
Strategic Response to Modern Challenges
Roblox, launched in 2006 by American founders David Baszucki and Erik Cassel, operates as a user-generated gaming platform with approximately 80 million daily active users worldwide. Despite 40 percent of users being over 17, the core demographic remains children aged 9-15.
Egypt consistently ranks among the top three markets for Roblox in the MENA region, making this decision particularly significant for regional digital policy. The country's large youth population, with an average age between 10 and 16 years, makes such protective measures essential.
This bold action reinforces Egypt's position as a responsible regional leader, prioritizing the wellbeing of its citizens over commercial interests and demonstrating the effectiveness of the current administration's child protection policies.