Juvenile delinquency, screen time directly linked: Minister

Published: 08:02 AM,Feb 15,2026 | EDITED : 12:02 PM,Feb 15,2026

Laila bint Ahmed bin Awad al Najjar, Minister of Social Development

Muscat: The increase in the number of juvenile delinquents can be directly attributed to spending long periods in front of screens and using social media, apart from being influenced by foreign cultures and behaviors, according to Laila bint Ahmed bin Awad al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, who was replying to a question related to the matter in the Majlis A' Shura on Sunday.
She said these conditions are not related to the material needs or living situations of a person.

On the issue of some families who sleep on the streets and whose children work selling tea, water, and other goods, the Minister said the situation is continuously monitored and assessed. She added that while many of these families are not Omani, and confirmed that the Ministry evaluates the needs of these families, whether by providing direct job opportunities for the head of the family or by providing suitable places for them.

Public Prosecution

The increase in cases of crimes committed against children is a worrying situation, especially sexual harassment, and it has to be tackled with an awareness campaign, according to the Public Prosecution, who felt the situation must be highlighted.

The rise in child-related cases, whether as victims or even defendants, is alarming because we believe that the family is the foundation of society. Therefore, the increase in these crimes, whether committed by or against children, points to a worrying situation. Consequently, we must increase awareness about crimes against children, especially those committed against them. What is also alarming is that many of these crimes were related to sexual harassment,' according to Dr. Rashid bin Obaid al Kaabi, assistant public prosecutor and official spokesperson for the Public Prosecution

There were over 1,000 cases of sexual harassment and over 100 cases of child rape.

In a message to the families, 'Children must be raised based on the foundations of religion, customs, traditions, and good morals. Don't let devices and social media raise children for you.'

The Public Prosecution also revealed 30 crimes related to using the internet or technology to expose minors to prohibited, pornographic material, along with 24 crimes involving violations of a child's right to education up to the completion of basic education. The statistics also included 27 crimes related to encouraging a child to engage in sexual activity.

The Public Prosecution also highlighted a lack of responsibility by some families, noting that negligence and the absence of parental supervision have contributed to the rise in such crimes.

Dr. Rashid bin Obaid al Kaabi cited cases in which children were left without proper oversight, including an example of a boy who was addicted to drugs for two years without his family being aware.