Cairo: The Doha International Family Institute (DIFI) reviewed its efforts to address the challenges posed by technology on the Arab family, its structure and dynamics, during its participation in the 15th International Conference of the Arab Union for Sustainable Development and Environment, held at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo.
According to Qatar News Agency, DIFI's Executive Director Dr. Sharifa Al Emadi emphasized the significance of the institute's "Family and Technology" report, prepared in cooperation with Duke University. She noted that 79 percent of children and youth use social media platforms compared to 65 percent of the general population. This highlights the widespread engagement of younger demographics with digital platforms.
Dr. Al Emadi also highlighted findings from a 2023 study conducted with Hamad Bin Khalifa University and the World Innovation Summits for Health and Education. The study surveyed 174 parents and indicated that spending around 10 hours online daily is linked to lower school performance, while parental monitoring remains limited.
Furthermore, she reviewed results from the "Child Well-being in Qatar" study, which surveyed 1,607 Qatari parents and covered aspects such as health, education, leisure, parenting, and internet use. She emphasized the importance of data in shaping policies aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (2024-2030).
Dr. Al Emadi warned that excessive technology use weakens family bonds and increases isolation. She cited the 2023-2024 "Tansheeh" project, showing that 78 percent of adolescents are heavy weekly internet users, and 10 percent prefer the internet over spending time with family. This raises concerns about the social implications of digital engagement among youth.
She advocated for flexible, innovative social policies, strengthened digital protection laws for children, and family-friendly policies such as parental leave and flexible work arrangements. She noted the Cabinet's approval last April of establishing a committee for children's digital safety at the Ministry of Social Development and Family, showcasing governmental steps towards addressing these issues.
Dr. Al Emadi referred to last year's joint report on assessing marital relations in the first five years of marriage in the Arab World. The report sheds light on factors behind early marital breakdown and elements supporting marital stability. She added that DIFI is collaborating with the Arab League to develop an Arab-wide premarital preparation program.
Concluding her remarks, she stressed that rapid technological change places unprecedented pressure on families. It is essential for academics, institutions, and relevant authorities to adopt a family-centered approach and promote evidence-based policies that offer practical support to help families navigate these challenges effectively.