Qatar University experts urge families to take lead in protecting children online

Qatar University academics have called for stronger digital awareness among families and young people, stressing that protecting children online requires more than parental controls as generative artificial intelligence and rapidly evolving digital platforms create new risks.

The call comes as Qatar steps up efforts to promote safe and responsible technology use through the “Digitally Aware Family” campaign, launched by the Ministry of Social Development and Family under the slogan “Their Protection, Your Responsibility.”

The initiative supports the ministry’s 2025-2030 strategy, “From Care to Empowerment,” and aligns with the human and social development goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Academics at Qatar University emphasised that families play a central role in helping children navigate the digital world safely. They said effective protection depends on open communication, parental role-modelling, critical thinking and an understanding of the psychological, physical and cultural effects of technology use, according to Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA).

Dr Wadha Khalid Lebda, director of the KINDI Computing Research Center at Qatar University’s College of Engineering, said the campaign comes at a crucial time, as digital technology increasingly shapes how children learn, communicate and engage with the world.

She noted that generative AI has expanded the scope of digital safety beyond conventional cybersecurity to include protecting personal data and digital identities, recognising misleading content, and identifying risks associated with deepfakes and cloned voices and images.

Four steps to safer digital decisions

Lebda said technological safeguards and restrictions alone cannot build lasting digital awareness. Families, schools, universities, national institutions and the technology sector must work together to equip children with the knowledge and judgement needed to respond to emerging online threats.

She recommended a simple four-step approach for children: “Stop, Ask, Verify, Then Decide.” The method encourages them to pause before responding to urgent messages or engaging with suspicious content, seek guidance when uncertain and verify information before taking action.

The KINDI Computing Research Center is working to translate research in cybersecurity and AI into practical guidance for families and young people. Its initiatives include short videos, podcasts and interactive workshops designed to make digital safety easier to understand and apply.

Lebda added that awareness programmes should also be evaluated to determine whether they improve knowledge and change behaviour. Assessing what participants know and do before and after campaigns, she said, can help build a lasting digital culture based on evidence and responsible practices rather than fear.

Dr Aisha Al Ahmadi, assistant professor in Qatar University’s Department of Psychological Sciences, highlighted the need to account for educational, psychological and cultural differences when developing digital awareness programmes.

She cautioned against applying findings from Western psychological and behavioural studies directly to Arab and Muslim societies without considering their distinct social, cultural and religious contexts.

Al Ahmadi called for more locally conducted research to guide educational and therapeutic approaches suited to children and families in Qatar. Such studies could help researchers better understand how digital developments affect local communities and inform interventions that reflect their specific needs.

She also stressed that campaigns should be assessed scientifically, with researchers examining whether they produce meaningful changes in family and children's behaviour. The findings should be used to improve programmes and establish whether safer digital practices continue beyond the campaign period.

Healthy screen habits start at home

Dr Ghadir Fakhri Al Saleem, assistant professor in Qatar University's Department of Public Health, described the family as the first environment in which children develop habits and behaviours.

She said parents should help children establish a balanced relationship with technology while building digital health literacy, enabling them to assess health information found online critically.

Healthy routines should begin early and include adequate sleep, regular physical activity and screen-free time for family interaction. These habits can help children benefit from technology without compromising their physical and psychological well-being, she said.

Citing UNICEF reports, Al Saleem highlighted cyberbullying, online harassment, excessive screen time, privacy breaches and fraud as major digital risks facing children and adolescents.

She said parents should pay attention to sudden changes in a child's behaviour or mood, increased secrecy around device use and staying on screens late into the night, as these may signal unhealthy digital habits.

Rather than responding with blame or punishment, parents should encourage open, trust-based conversations and use parental-control tools appropriately, she added.

Al Saleem said Qatar University contributes to national efforts by connecting scientific research with community initiatives and evidence-based policymaking. Research points to open communication and clear family rules as important elements in helping children develop safer online habits.

She also called for a broader approach to measuring the success of digital awareness campaigns. Beyond counting participants or tracking how widely messages circulate, evaluations should examine changes in knowledge, attitudes and family practices and establish whether improvements are sustained over time.

The academics said sustained cooperation among families, educational institutions and national bodies is essential to building a culture of digital responsibility. As AI and online platforms continue to evolve, they stressed, children need not only protection from digital threats but also the critical thinking and healthy habits to make informed decisions and use technology responsibly.