Muscat — Parents, educators and social work scholars in Oman and the wider region are calling for renewed emphasis on shared responsibility in protecting social values as digital platforms reshape everyday life. The appeal comes amid growing concern about changing behaviors and cultural openness among a digitally native generation, according to interviews with parents and academics this week.
Observers say the pace of technological change, widespread use of social media and economic shifts have widened the intergenerational gap, prompting calls for practical steps to reinforce family structures, community forums and responsible digital habits.
Shared Responsibility in Protecting Social Values
Community leaders and parents agree that protecting social values is not the work of a single institution but a shared task among families, schools, media and civic organizations. This shared responsibility in protecting social values requires coordinated awareness campaigns, curriculum adjustments and community-based activities, experts said.
Meanwhile, social work academics stress that balancing openness to global influences with preservation of cultural identity is achievable through sustained cooperation. Therefore, policy makers and local institutions should prioritize initiatives that promote respectful behavior and civic engagement among youth.
Bridging the Intergenerational Gap
Parents interviewed for this report described a clear intergenerational gap driven by different experiences with technology, changing norms and new communication styles. They noted that children and young people often prefer online interaction, while older generations value in-person family dialogue and traditional gatherings.
According to Dr. Amjad bin Hassan Al-Haj, associate professor of social work at Sultan Qaboos University, the intergenerational gap reflects varied rates of adaptation to digital tools and divergent life stages. He said efforts to bridge that gap should focus on mutual understanding and respect rather than simply imposing past norms on younger cohorts.
How Social Media Shapes Values and Behavior
Social media platforms expose young people to a wide range of ideas and lifestyles, which can both enrich and challenge local traditions. Parents like Zakia Al-Bassami told researchers that technology brings children closer to global discourse but can reduce time spent in family discussion, especially during holidays and free time.
Shihab Al-Nasiri and other parents emphasized that constructive family dialogue and setting boundaries for device use are essential measures. At the same time, educators recommend turning some online exposure into teachable moments that reinforce critical thinking and cultural awareness.
Practical Steps for Families and Institutions
Several respondents outlined tangible actions to help contain risks while maximizing benefits from digital access. Suggestions include regular family gatherings, scheduled device-free periods, community clubs offering skill-building activities, and parent-led guidance on safe online behavior.
Layla Al-Hanaei pointed to the importance of enabling youth to develop new skills and channel energy into productive pursuits. Experts suggest that schools integrate media literacy into curricula and that local community centers host intergenerational workshops to foster dialogue and shared learning.
The Role of Education and Community Centers
Education is frequently cited as a central lever to maintain cultural continuity and equip youth for the digital age. Dr. Al-Haj advocated updating curricula to include digital citizenship, media literacy and values-based education to help students navigate online spaces responsibly.
Community centers and clubs can provide safe, supervised environments for young people to apply new skills and exchange ideas with older generations. Such venues are also useful for supporting parents and caregivers with resources on moderating screen time and encouraging positive online habits.
Turning Gaps into Opportunities
Mahmoud Al-Yaqubi and other community members described the generational divide not solely as a challenge but as an opportunity for exchange. They noted that older generations offer experience and cultural wisdom, while younger people contribute technical skills and fresh perspectives.
Therefore, initiatives that pair mentorship with digital collaboration can yield mutual benefits. For example, community projects that combine storytelling with digital production or local history research using online archives help strengthen identity while embracing new tools.
Conclusion
Protecting social values in an era of rapid technological change depends on a deliberate, shared approach among families, schools, media and civic institutions. Short-term steps include promoting family dialogue, integrating media literacy in education and expanding community programming.
Looking ahead, stakeholders said they will monitor pilot programs over the next 12–18 months and evaluate how combined efforts reduce the intergenerational gap and reinforce responsible digital behavior. Readers should watch for new educational policies and community initiatives that aim to institutionalize this shared responsibility in protecting social values.