Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) unveiled a first-of-its-kind report, "The Truth About Family Life in a Digital Age," at the Sync Digital Wellbeing Summit, held on the sidelines of the Global Symposium for Regulators 2025 (GSR25). The symposium was organized by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The GSR is an annual global platform that brings together the heads of national regulatory authorities, decision-makers, and specialized experts to address regulatory developments in the information and communication technology (ICT) sectors.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the report examined how digital technology is reshaping childhood, parenting, and family life in Saudi Arabia. 'This report represents a global benchmark in understanding how rapid technological development is redefining childhood,' said Sync Global Digital Wellbeing head Dr. Fahad AlBeyahi. 'It offers not only a reflection, but a call to action to ensure the next generation thrives in the digital age. Through Sync, we are proud to shape a conversation that is as culturally grounded as it is globally relevant.'
During her keynote speech at the summit, King Khalid Foundation chief executive Princess Nouf bint Muhammad Al Saud underscored the importance of addressing both technological and legislative risks to ensure societal safety and stability. She highlighted the need to confront harmful online content and behaviors, empower families to navigate such challenges, and support schools in mitigating the negative effects of digital transformation. She noted that the real challenge is not society's fear of technology itself, but rather the urgent need to protect Generation Alpha from digital exploitation and misleading content that targets their identity and values. She highlighted the development of strict legislation to combat online luring and exploitation, and the creation of healthy digital environments that empower children and prepare them to lead the future with awareness and wisdom.
Princess Nouf also urged that parents and educators be equipped with behavioral engineering techniques to address addiction and consumer manipulation, enabling them to pass this knowledge on to future generations. Ithra Acting Director Mussab Alsaaran said: 'Sync is a Saudi initiative with a global mission to help people everywhere build healthier, more balanced relationships with technology. We are honored to join you here at the Global Symposium for Regulators, where culture, policy, and regulation come together to shape a healthier digital future.'
Titled 'Gen Alpha, Gen AI: Who's Protecting Our Future Generation?', Sync aims to help individuals regain control of their digital lives, Alsaaran said, adding that it has gathered global voices in tech, education, and policy, exploring proactive frameworks that safeguard children, preserve culture, and provide an environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Sync's wider efforts aim to inform public opinion, public policy, and promote healthier digital ecosystems. Insights from both the national and global reports will feed into future campaigns, educational tools, and cross-sector programs supporting families and decision-makers worldwide. The summit highlights that the role of Saudi families goes beyond merely adapting to digital transformation. Instead, they are actively shaping it, while maintaining a balance between technological advancement and enduring cultural values.
According to Alsaaran, the Gen Alpha report, undertaken over two years, drew on more than 750 Saudi participants, including parents, educators, and experts, and combined quantitative survey data with qualitative anthropological research. Among the report's most compelling findings: Over 85% believe technology can support education, health, and global cooperation, while 90% call for stronger safeguards to protect values. Most Saudi parents (93%) value devices for access to information and future skill development. A significant 95% of parents support government regulation of online content, and half believe public education and awareness campaigns are the most effective approach. Saudi parents are vigilant on screen content to ensure that what their children consume is truthful, age-appropriate, and culturally aligned.