Riyadh: The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) has issued findings from the Early Childhood Development and Child Well-being Statistics for 2025, revealing that 82.4% of children aged 24-59 months in Saudi Arabia are on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, as per the Early Childhood Development Index 2023 (ECDI2030).
According to Saudi Press Agency, the data shows a slight gender disparity, with 83.2% of girls on track compared to 81.6% of boys. It also highlights that 90% of children aged 36-59 months experience a positive home learning environment, with girls at 90.1% and boys at 89.8%.
Regarding book ownership, 31% of children under five own one to two books, and 9.2% possess three or more. Additionally, 17.3% of children aged 36-59 months are enrolled in early childhood education, with higher enrollment rates for girls at 18.2% compared to boys at 16.5%. Participation in organized learning for five-year-olds stands at 73%, with 74.5% of girls and 71.5% of boys involved.
The survey further indicates that 35.1% of children aged 5-7 years use digital devices for one to two hours daily, while 28.8% use them for less than one hour per day.
These statistics are derived from the 2025 Women and Child Health Survey and the Ministry of Education's administrative records for the 2024-2025 academic year. They serve as crucial indicators to support national policies and enhance the quality of life for young children in Saudi Arabia.