Muscat – Academics and experts have called for a comprehensive national approach to protecting children in the digital environment. They described the Royal Directive of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to assess children’s use of social media and develop appropriate regulatory mechanisms as a vital opportunity to establish a framework for safe and responsible digital engagement.

Specialists stressed that the rapid expansion of digital platforms among children requires stronger collaboration between families, schools and relevant institutions to maximise the benefits of technology while minimising its risks, including digital addiction, psychological harm and exposure to inappropriate content.

Dr Ruqayyah bint Humaid Al Wahaibi, HoD of English Department at Vocational College, Saham, said the issue extends beyond technology itself to encompass the development of children’s values, identity and critical thinking. She noted that young people are exposed daily to an unprecedented volume of digital messages and influences that can shape their perceptions and behaviour if not guided effectively. Building awareness and confidence, she said, is essential to helping children distinguish beneficial content from material that could negatively affect their character and identity.

She added that digital platforms now play a significant role in socialisation through algorithms that reinforce particular interests and behavioural patterns, making awareness and intellectual resilience more important than relying solely on restrictions or direct supervision.

Academic and researcher Dr Muammar bin Ali Al Toobi warned that excessive use of social media can lead to sleep disorders, poor concentration, social isolation and declining academic performance, while also exposing children to cyber extortion, online exploitation and privacy violations.

He urged parents to take an active role in regulating screen time, selecting age-appropriate applications and making use of parental control technologies, while fostering open dialogue that enables children to navigate the digital world responsibly.

Educational researcher Dr Sabra bint Saif Al Harasi described the Royal Directive as an important step in strengthening national efforts to protect children online. She said social media has become a major influence on young people’s learning and behaviour, underscoring the need for a unified national framework that coordinates initiatives and draws on international best practices while preserving Oman’s cultural values and identity.

She emphasised that building digital resilience among children is an investment in the country’s future, equipping the next generation with the awareness and decision-making skills needed to respond positively to rapid technological change.

Psychologist Muhannad bin Khalifa Al Jahouri highlighted the emotional impact of excessive social media use, noting that anxiety, stress, sleep disruption and low self-esteem often result from constant online comparisons and cyberbullying. Warning signs of digital addiction, he said, include prolonged screen time, irritability when access is restricted and withdrawal from hobbies and social interaction.

Al Jahouri called on families to embrace conscious digital parenting by establishing clear rules for device use, maintaining regular conversations with children about their online experiences and encouraging participation in sports, reading and community activities. Such measures, he said, help create a healthy balance between digital engagement and real life while ensuring children benefit from technology without compromising their mental wellbeing, values or identity.