A Legal Perspective on the Impact of Electronic Games on Children’s Behavior and the Role of Legislation in Protecting Them

In light of the rapid digital transformation the world is witnessing today, technology has become an integral part of the lives of children and juveniles. At the forefront are electronic games, which have spread widely through smartphones, tablets, and various online platforms. While these games may offer entertainment and even educational value that can help develop certain cognitive skills, their uncontrolled use may leave deep psychological and behavioral effects on children. In some cases, this may extend to adopting aggressive behavioral patterns or imitating dangerous actions derived from the virtual world.

As children’s connection to the digital world continues to grow, important questions arise about the extent to which such games influence a child’s or juvenile’s behavior, and how they may be linked to risky practices or deviant conduct. This calls for examining the phenomenon from social, educational, and legal perspectives—especially given the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to providing a safe environment that protects children and ensures their proper upbringing.

Many recent studies indicate an increase in the number of hours children spend daily playing electronic games. This reflects the magnitude of their influence on shaping young people’s behavior and highlights the need to guide this usage in a way that maximizes benefits while reducing risks.

Electronic games today are among the most widespread forms of entertainment among children and juveniles. However, excessive use may lead to various negative effects, especially when these games include content based on violence, conflict, or the use of weapons. Numerous studies have shown that continuous exposure to such scenes may affect a child’s behavior and increase their acceptance of violence or aggression in dealing with others.

Spending long hours in front of screens may also lead to social isolation and weakened family communication, in addition to negatively affecting academic performance and concentration levels among children and juveniles.

In some cases, it has been observed that children or juveniles may attempt to imitate what they see in electronic games or through live-streaming gaming platforms. This may push some of them to engage in dangerous or even illegal behaviors out of curiosity, challenge, or imitation of virtual characters.

Moreover, some games rely on communication with unknown players online, exposing children to multiple risks such as cyberbullying, exploitation, or being influenced by negative ideas and behaviors.

In light of these challenges posed by digital development, national legislation has taken on a crucial role in establishing a legal framework aimed at protecting children and juveniles from risks associated with the digital environment.

Legal Framework for Child Protection

The United Arab Emirates has been keen to establish a comprehensive legislative system to protect children from various risks, including those associated with the digital space and electronic games.

Federal Law No. (3) of 2016 on Child Rights (“Wadeema’s Law”) includes several guarantees that ensure the protection of children from any influences that may harm their development and well-being. Article (14) affirms the child’s right to protection from all forms of neglect, exploitation, and abuse. Article (35) also emphasizes the need to protect children from media or digital content that may negatively affect their behavior or encourage tendencies toward violence or delinquency.

In the same context, Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes criminalizes many acts related to the misuse of the internet and modern technology, including luring children online or publishing and sharing harmful content.

Legal Prevention and Its Role in Reducing Risky Behaviors

Protecting children and juveniles from the negative impacts of electronic games is not limited to educational or family aspects; it also extends to preventive legal measures pursued by modern legislation. Laws in the UAE do not focus solely on punishing crimes after they occur but also aim to prevent the causes of behavioral delinquency among juveniles.

From this standpoint, relevant authorities work to strengthen oversight of digital content, alongside raising community awareness about the safe use of technology. Early prevention and continuous awareness are among the most effective means of protecting children and juveniles from being influenced by violent content or risky behaviors that may transfer from the virtual world into real life.

Recommendations

1. Strengthen parental supervision over children’s use of electronic games and set appropriate playtime limits.
2. Raise parents’ awareness of game content and age ratings before allowing children to use them.
3. Encourage children to engage in sports, social, and cultural activities to reduce excessive use of electronic devices.
4. Enhance the role of schools and community institutions in spreading digital awareness among children and juveniles.
5. Support initiatives aimed at protecting children in the digital environment and promoting the safe use of technology.
6. Strengthen cooperation between legal, educational, and media entities to address risks associated with inappropriate digital content for children.

Conclusion

In light of rapid digital development, electronic games have become an integral part of children’s and juveniles’ daily lives, requiring greater awareness and oversight in how they are used and guided to maximize benefits and limit negative effects.

This highlights the importance of integrating the roles of family, school, and community institutions in guiding children toward safe and balanced technology use, helping protect them and fostering the development of a conscious and responsible generation.

Protecting children in the digital world is no longer optional; it is a shared responsibility imposed by the challenges of modern times to ensure the upbringing of an aware generation capable of building a safe future for society.