ECA Stresses Safe Tech Use for Kids at Digital Wellbeing Symposium

Post by: Omar Nasser

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) held a special meeting called the Digital Wellbeing Symposium. It was held at New York University in Abu Dhabi. Many smart people from tech companies and groups that are part of the UAE Children’s Digital Wellbeing Pact came together. They met to talk about how children can use phones, computers, and the internet in a safe and good way. This event was part of Abu Dhabi Global Health Week, which is run by the Health Department.

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The meeting focused on kids from newborns up to 8 years old. Experts talked about how digital things like videos, games, and apps can help or hurt young children. They shared ideas on how to make good digital rules for kids and create fun and safe learning videos or games for them.

Many famous people spoke at the event. Dr Yousef Al Hammadi from the ECA said parents should feel okay letting their kids use digital media, as long as it helps the child learn and grow. Jawaher Abdelhamid from the company SNAP also gave a speech. Professors from Australia and the US, and a leader from Sesame Workshop, also spoke at the meeting.

Earlier this year, many groups signed the UAE Children’s Digital Wellbeing Pact. It was the first time this kind of deal happened in the region. It brings together government and private companies. They all want to keep children safe when they use the internet and to stop bullying or harmful videos online.

Dr Al Hammadi said that technology is now a big part of children’s lives. He wants parents to use it in a helpful way, and also make sure kids still enjoy playtime without screens. He hopes parents will keep helping their children use tech in a good and balanced way.

Jawaher Abdelhamid said that digital tools should help children learn, play, and grow, while still keeping them safe.

At the event, they also shared the results of a new survey. NYU Abu Dhabi asked 10,000 parents in Abu Dhabi questions about how their kids use phones, tablets, and screens. The survey showed that most parents pick videos and apps carefully. Most said digital media is good if used right. About 70% of parents were happy with how much screen time their children get. Parents also spend more time doing normal play and learning with their kids, not just digital things. Many parents said digital tools help their kids learn language, explore new things, and build social skills. Videos in Arabic and early learning shows were the most liked by parents.

This survey was the first big study of its kind in the area. It helps people understand what children aged 0 to 8 need when using digital media. This will help leaders make better rules and decisions for children.

Professor Antje von Suchodeltz from NYU Abu Dhabi said the survey shows how parents and children can use screens together in a healthy way. Watching, playing, and learning together helps build a stronger bond between parents and kids, and helps kids grow in many ways. She said this study gives good ideas to make future plans that support children’s digital health.

This event is part of a bigger plan by the ECA called the World Early Childhood Development (WED) Movement. It brings together smart minds from around the world to help children in Abu Dhabi and beyond grow in the best way.

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