Culture Minister Joins Parliamentary Hearing on Regulating Children’s Social Media Use

Dr. Gihan Zaki, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, participated in a high-level hearing session held by the House of Representatives’ Communications and Information Technology Committee. Chaired by MP Ahmed Badawi, the session aimed to draft a comprehensive vision for a new law regulating children’s use of social media platforms.

The meeting saw a significant turnout of key officials, including:

Diaa Rashwan, Minister of State for Information.

Dr. Osama Al-Azhari, Minister of Awqaf (Endowments).

Counselor Hani Hanna, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.

 Representatives from the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, the National Council for Childbirth and Motherhood, and the Ministry of Communications.

Dialogue Over Prohibition

In her inaugural appearance before a parliamentary committee, Dr. Zaki expressed her appreciation for the initiative, noting that the digital safety of children is a priority for the state and Egyptian families alike.

Addressing the committee, the Minister emphasized that culture is a fundamental pillar in shaping consciousness and character. She highlighted that the demographic spanning Generation Z and Generation Alpha (ages 18–24 and younger) requires continuous dialogue and open channels of communication rather than isolation.

 "I do not support the absolute ban of smartphones or tablets," Dr. Zaki stated. "The real solution lies in guidance, persuasion, and providing attractive cultural and artistic alternatives that can capture the interest of the youth and develop their awareness."

Revitalizing Cultural Hubs

The Minister outlined the Ministry of Culture’s strategy, which is built on the principle of "Thought and Dialogue." A key component of this plan involves reclaiming the leadership role of Egypt’s 600 Culture Palaces nationwide. She envisions these centers as beacons for awareness, asserting that "thought must be countered with thought, and words must be met with science and discourse."

A Balanced Digital Future

Dr. Zaki concluded by stressing the importance of:

Positive Integration: Leveraging modern technology to serve education and culture.

 Digital Literacy: Strengthening the role of cultural institutions in building digital awareness.

 Collaborative Protection: Working with various stakeholders to strike a balance between the freedom of digital use and societal protection.

The Ministry’s ultimate goal, she noted, is to raise a generation capable of interacting responsibly with the tools of the digital age.