Doha, Qatar – Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani spearheaded a national initiative to prioritize child and adolescent digital addiction, announcing the formation of a unified taskforce at the WISE 12 Summit. The roundtable discussion, attended by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, aims to galvanize a comprehensive response to the growing concerns surrounding excessive technology use among young people in Qatar.
The initiative comes as global research highlights the potential negative impacts of prolonged digital engagement on youth wellbeing. The taskforce will draw on expertise from education, health, youth development, sports, and culture sectors to develop and implement strategies focused on mitigating risks and promoting responsible technology use.
Addressing Child and Adolescent Digital Addiction: A National Priority
The WISE 12 Summit, which focuses on the intersection of education and artificial intelligence, provided a fitting platform to launch this critical national effort. Sheikha Hind, chairing the session, emphasized that the digital world has transitioned from a communication tool to a primary habitat for many children, fundamentally altering their developmental landscape.
She articulated the need to understand technology’s dual nature – both a beneficial resource and a potential detriment. “Are we shaping technology, or is it shaping us, and at what cost?” she asked, framing the central question guiding the taskforce’s work. The goal is to find a balance that allows Qatar’s youth to benefit from digital advancements while protecting their cognitive, emotional, and physical health.
Growing Concerns and Evidence-Based Approaches
Experts presented research findings illustrating the correlation between increased screen time and declines in attention spans, sleep quality, and emotional regulation. Her Excellency Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, Minister of Education and Higher Education, pointed to studies showing that students already spend a significant portion of their day – 7.5 to 8 hours – on digital devices. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of school-based interventions if technology use remains largely unchecked outside of educational settings.
The ministers stressed the importance of a “multisectoral approach,” recognizing that addressing digital wellbeing requires collaboration beyond government agencies. This includes partnerships with the private sector, parents, and community organizations.
Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of Social Development and Family, announced the Council of Ministers’ approval to establish a dedicated Digital Safety Committee for Children and Youth. This committee will oversee the implementation of inclusive and comprehensive strategies. The discussion acknowledged that the challenge of screen time isn’t unique to Qatar, but a global phenomenon.
Mental Health and Holistic Development
The impact of digital environments on mental health was a key theme, with HE Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, former Minister of Public Health, stating that these environments are becoming “powerful determinants” of young people’s psychological state.
The focus isn’t simply on restricting access, but on empowering young people to navigate the digital world responsibly. This involves promoting digital literacy, fostering critical thinking skills, and cultivating values that support healthy development. Perspectives from both The Vatican and the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research were incorporated to explore holistic approaches to wellbeing and the role of faith and family in establishing a sense of purpose.
Collaboration and Future Steps
Technology providers, including Ooredoo, and regulatory bodies like the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the National Cybersecurity Agency, participated in the roundtable, signifying a commitment to a collaborative solution. Representatives from organizations like the Royal Foundation and everyone.AI also emphasized the need for continuous international cooperation to accelerate action on this issue.
The immediate next step involves the Digital Safety Committee finalizing its work plan and timeline for implementing key policies and measures. According to officials, this includes exploring ways to reduce mobile phone usage during school hours, enhancing family engagement programs, and expanding digital literacy initiatives. The ongoing challenge will be adapting to the ever-evolving technological landscape and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions, especially given the uncertainties surrounding the long-term effects of digital technologies on developing brains.
Further research and data collection will be crucial to informing policy decisions and ensuring that interventions are evidence-based. Stakeholders will be watching for concrete outcomes from the taskforce within the next year, particularly related to measurable improvements in youth digital health.
