According to a recent study conducted by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) in Oman, there has been a significant increase in social media usage among children under the age of 18. The research, which surveyed over 2,700 Omani families, found that 78% of children in this age group are active on social media platforms in 2024, as opposed to just 14% in 2019. The study revealed that eight out of every 10 children are engaged with social media, with most of them spending an average of two and a quarter hours on these platforms daily. YouTube emerged as the most popular platform, followed by WhatsApp and Instagram, with variations in app usage based on the children’s age.
Parental monitoring of children’s social media use was also examined in the study, showing a slightly decrease as children grow older. While 81% of parents reported monitoring their children’s social media activity, this supervision lessens as kids age. Parents employ various tools to monitor their children, such as personal follow-up, setting specific times for use, installing electronic monitoring programs, blocking and limiting applications, and identifying specific locations. The study also found that 59% of parents who do not monitor their children cited the presence of another family member who handles this responsibility.
The study also looked at parental perceptions of the benefits and drawbacks of children using social media. Many parents believe that social media helps children understand their studies better, provides useful information and news, enhances cognitive awareness, imparts basic skills, and strengthens family and social relationships. On the other hand, concerns were raised about exposure to inappropriate content, time-wasting, health problems, neglect of academic responsibilities, electronic addiction, and social isolation. This reflects the mixed feelings that parents have about their children’s use of social media, with some acknowledging the educational benefits and increased connectivity with family and friends, while others remain apprehensive about the potential risks.
Some parents expressed appreciation for the educational benefits of social media, with one parent mentioning that it provides valuable resources and keeps their child engaged with their studies. Another parent highlighted the importance of social media in maintaining strong relationships with extended family. However, many parents remain worried about the type of content their children might come across online, as well as the risk of addiction and the negative impact on sleep and study habits. Concerns were also raised about the decreasing physical activity and face-to-face interactions among children, with some parents observing that kids today seem more isolated and dependent on screens for entertainment and social interactions.
Overall, the study highlights the growing influence of social media on children in Oman and emphasizes the importance of balanced and vigilant use of these platforms to harness their benefits and mitigate potential risks. The diverse perspectives of parents reflect the complexity of this issue and the ongoing challenge of navigating the digital landscape in a way that supports children’s healthy development. Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children’s social media use and ensuring that they remain safe and responsible online.
