المملكة: “Digital Education”… Parents agree on controls to protect children from the dangers of screens

A number of parents unanimously agreed that education in the current era is no longer limited to direct guidance, but rather has expanded to include a new challenge known as "Digital Education"They stressed that careful monitoring of children’s use of smart devices has become an imperative necessity to protect them from health and behavioral risks, at a time when technology has become an integral part of their daily lives.

In a poll for “Al-Youm”, almost complete agreement emerged on the necessity of setting strict time controls, as the majority of parents suggested setting a time limit not exceeding two hours per day for using devices, with the aim of protecting Children are exposed to health risks, especially with regard to the effect of device screens on eye safety.

Time management

Mansour Al-Shaya said: "With regard to monitoring children while using smart devices, I prefer that there be regulation of the time allocated to them, because the rays of these devices are effective, as we hear, and therefore I believe that the use should be for two hours a day, distributed over the day, as the children are suffering from eye problems because of these screens."

Al-Shaya added: "I hope that there is a secret number for the device for the guardian, whether the father or mother, to monitor the content that the children are watching, especially since they may not realize the danger of some games."

He continued: "Changing the password from time to time also contributes to reducing problems, with the need not to put barriers between parents and children, but rather to build a relationship based on trust, dialogue and understanding."

For his part, Tariq Al-Yahya said: "Keeping track of children and their devices requires the use of several methods, the simplest of which is reducing the presence of devices as much as possible, but we do not want to deprive them of them, and the solution lies in using parental control applications, whether built into the devices or available for free, in addition to setting a specific hour daily that the son controls himself, so that it becomes a habit over time."

He also stressed the importance of continuous awareness, "We are in a difficult era that requires careful monitoring and education based on technical awareness"

Following up with the children

As for Jassim Al-Hassan, he said: "I allocate two hours a day for the children to use smart devices, and I follow up with them every half hour to find out what they are watching, while being careful to enhance confidence and not restrict them. I advise them to use them in a gentle manner, and I noticed a clear positive response from them. I can’t stop them completely, because we live in the age of technology"

Saud Al-Dosari said: "I advise children not to overuse smart devices, and allocate time for them to study and another time for games, provided that the use is not on a daily basis, and it is better for it to be limited to vacation periods."This opinion was shared by Talal Al-Dosari, who confirmed that there are some clips that are not suitable for children and require strict censorship.

Moayad Al-Ahmad explained: "Regarding mobile applications, we must not leave room for children to use them for the hours they want, but rather set a specific time that does not exceed two hours a day.

He continued: Inappropriate programs should also be deleted and useful applications should be installed, with children constantly alerted and educated. I once encountered an inappropriate game on one of my son’s devices, so I immediately deleted it, explained the reasons for that to him, and directed him towards safe alternatives."

At the conclusion of the survey, student Ahmed Moaz said: "I use devices and social media to a limited extent, and I believe that setting a time for use under the supervision of a relative is the best solution, because the use of technology must be of benefit and with a clear purpose.".

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter