Shaping a safe digital identity for the next generation
The widespread availability of devices and access to open digital platforms have granted children and adolescents unparalleled opportunities for learning and connection.
Yet, this digital access also exposes them to new risks — disinformation, exploitation and online violence among them. Recognising both the benefits and dangers of this environment, modern societies understand that abandoning technology is not an option. Instead, they must create national digital content frameworks that ensure safe, ethical, and culturally anchored spaces for youth.
Protecting children today means more than regulating harmful activities — it means building safe, positive digital environments. These spaces must offer educational and recreational content that strengthens social values, critical thinking, self-expression and responsible citizenship. They must empower children with skills for independent learning, self-protection and ethical digital participation.
Nations are racing to offer safe digital content for their young populations, a competition intensified by the rapid evolution of generative AI technologies.
In this context, platforms like (Ayn for Children) represent a significant milestone. Launched recently during the 29th Muscat International Book Fair by the Ministry of Information, (Ayn for Children) is part of the larger (Ayn Media Platform). It offers children a safe cultural environment focused on education and entertainment through flexible, engaging programmes.
This platform expresses the aspirations of Omani children, connecting them to knowledge and creativity while grounding them in their national identity and global horizons. Rather than relying on rigid instruction, (Ayn for Children) embraces the philosophy of 'useful enjoyment', where learning and fun are interwoven.
The platform features both local and global content. Locally, it offers culturally themed programmes like (Children's Folk Songs), (Names from Oman), (Palm Harvests) and (Wissam's Journeys), as well as educational series like (Before Bedtime Stories) and future-oriented shows such as (Team 2040) and (I Belong to My Homeland). Programmes like (Studio Ulfa) promote scientific curiosity, while others, such as (Entrepreneurship for Children) and (Hammam in the World of Commerce), encourage economic awareness.
Globally, (Ayn for Children) brings beloved classics like (Little Women), (Haydi) and (Football Heroes), alongside adventurous series like (Marco Polo) and (Flory's Dragons). The platform also encourages creative young users to contribute original content, offering them a protected space to develop their talents and build a responsible digital footprint.
Importantly, (Ayn for Children) is designed to help users cultivate a safe digital identity, offering secure profiles, search tools and direct access to age-appropriate content. The platform's vibrant design, intuitive navigation and careful categorisation make it especially appealing to young audiences.
However, despite its strong foundation, (Ayn for Children) would benefit from broader promotion across media channels and digital platforms to ensure it reaches not only Omani children but young audiences across the Arab world.
Expanding its library of audiobooks and adapting Omani children's literature into animations and educational programmes would further enrich its offerings.
The launch of a platform dedicated to children is a critical step towards enriching the digital space for youth. In an age where technology shapes identities from an early age, (Ayn for Children) lays a vital foundation for nurturing future citizens — rooted in values, open to the world and prepared for a bright future.
AISHA AL DARMAKI
The writer is a researcher specialising in semiotics and a member of the State Council
The original version of this article was published in the print edition of Oman Arabic daily on April 27.
Translated by Badr al Dhafari
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