Doha: HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, attended a high-level roundtable at the WISE 12 Summit, where the formation of a national taskforce was announced. The roundtable, chaired by HE Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, discussed the taskforce's role in unifying Qatar's efforts to safeguard the digital wellbeing of the nation's youth.
According to Qatar News Agency, the discussion brought together leaders from various sectors, including education, health, youth, sports, and culture, and was grounded in scientific evidence. This discussion reinforced a nationwide commitment to addressing the risks that the digital age poses for children and young people, aiming to enable them to thrive and to harness technology for human development, wellbeing, and social benefit.
The roundtable session, held on the opening day of WISE 12, emphasized child and adolescent digital safety as a national priority for advancing youth wellbeing within and beyond Qatar. Chairing the session, HE Sheikha Hind highlighted the evolution of childhood into a digital ecosystem and the need for a holistic, interdisciplinary, and strategic response to this change.
Discussions focused on balancing the opportunities offered by technology with ethical and responsible use to preserve the health and wellbeing of Qatar's youth. Policies considered included reducing phone use during school hours, promoting family and community engagement, and enhancing digital literacy.
HE Minister of Education and Higher Education, Lolwah bint Rashid bin Mohammed Al Khater, stressed the role of the private sector and parents in safeguarding digital wellbeing, advocating for a multisectoral approach. She cited international research indicating significant digital device use among students, equivalent to school hours, underscoring the need for governance beyond school boundaries.
HE Minister of Social Development and Family, Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach by the Digital Safety Committee for Children and Youth. The committee aims to safeguard children and youth from technological challenges, adopting an inclusive and multisectoral strategy.
HE Dr. Hanan Mohamed Al Kuwari, former Minister of Public Health, highlighted the impact of digital environments on young people's mental health and the importance of empowering them to thrive in the digital age. She referenced studies by WHO and UNICEF warning of risks to youth mental health without protective measures.
The discussion presented evidence-based insights on excessive digital use from experts in neuroscience, healthcare, and education. Researchers from Hamad bin Khalifa University, University of North Carolina, and University of Cambridge shared findings, while Qatar Foundation showcased successful pilot projects. Faith-based perspectives from The Vatican and Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research were also discussed.
Technology providers and regulators from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, National Cybersecurity Agency, MADA, and Ooredoo attended, ensuring a collaborative approach between public and private sectors. The focus was on implementing child digital wellbeing policies and measures.