From screen to skills

For many parents, summer has become a season of anxiety rather than relaxation. As schools close their doors, children often spend countless hours on tablets, smartphones, and online games. What was once considered harmless entertainment has increasingly become a challenge, leaving families searching for meaningful ways to redirect their children’s attention.
One clear example is that rather than fighting technology, a growing number of parents in Al Batinah North Governorate are choosing to embrace it wisely.
This summer, the Directorate-General of Youth, Culture and Sports in Al Batinah North, through its Department of Culture and Arts, has witnessed remarkable demand for its “Our Summer: Leadership and Innovation 2026” programmes. Among the most popular workshops are those introducing children and teenagers to artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, smart content creation, digital arts, and creative innovation.
The idea is simple yet powerful: to transform children’s fascination with digital devices into productive learning experiences that prepare them for the future.
According to Bakhita al Quraini, Head of the Culture Department, registrations have exceeded expectations, reflecting a growing awareness among families of the importance of preparing children for a rapidly evolving digital world.
“The turnout this year has been exceptional. From the first days of registration, we noticed tremendous enthusiasm from parents who recognise that artificial intelligence has become an essential part of the future,” Al Quraini said.
“What has been equally inspiring is the children’s excitement. They are naturally curious about AI because technology is already embedded in their daily lives. Our programmes are designed to channel that curiosity into creativity, innovation, and meaningful learning instead of passive screen use.”

She explained that the workshops encourage participants to become creators rather than consumers by introducing them to AI-assisted storytelling, digital content production, creative design, and problem-solving in an enjoyable, hands-on environment.
Parents attending the registration sessions described the programmes as an opportunity to convert excessive screen time into purposeful engagement.
“We cannot completely separate our children from technology,” Fatima al Hosni, a mother of 4 children, said. “Instead, we should teach them how to use it creatively and responsibly. These workshops give them exactly that opportunity.”
Another father, Ali al Saidi, believes that artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a core skill for future careers.
“Our children are already spending hours online. If even part of that time is dedicated to learning AI, digital design, or creative thinking, it becomes an investment in their future rather than wasted time.”
Education specialists also argue that AI should no longer be viewed merely as a technological trend but as a new form of literacy. They encourage parents to guide their children towards programmes that combine creativity, ethics, and innovation while helping them understand how AI can enhance learning rather than replace human thinking.
Experts recommend enrolling children in programmes covering AI-assisted content creation, digital storytelling, graphic design, animation, coding, robotics, game development, entrepreneurship, environmental innovation, and digital arts. These experiences cultivate creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking — the very competencies expected of tomorrow’s workforce.
Beyond technical knowledge, such initiatives also offer something increasingly valuable: genuine human interaction. Instead of spending the summer isolated behind screens, participants work in teams, exchange ideas, present creative projects, and develop confidence through practical experiences.
The growing popularity of these AI summer programmes reflects a broader shift in society’s perception of technology. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence as a threat or trying to eliminate children’s interest in digital devices, that is why families are discovering that the real solution lies in guidance, education, and purposeful engagement.
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of life, perhaps the greatest gift parents can give their children is not simply limiting screen time, but transforming it into learning time. Through initiatives such as “Our Summer: Leadership and Innovation 2026,” a seasonal challenge is becoming an opportunity to nurture a generation of creative thinkers, responsible innovators, and future leaders.
GRAPH POINTS
1. More parents are aware of preparing children for the digital world
2. AI can enhance learning rather than replace human thinking
3. Kids must learn coding, robotics, game development, and entrepreneurship
4. Summer schools help creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking