MUSCAT: Oman has embarked on a significant initiative to establish a structured approach to digital engagement with the launch of a developmental workshop titled 'Towards a National Framework for Dealing with Social Media.'
Organised by the Ministry of Information in collaboration with the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, the workshop commenced on Sunday and will continue until February 25. It aims to address pressing digital challenges related to parenting, enhance societal awareness of safe social media usage, and align with Oman Vision 2040’s goal of fostering a well-informed and responsible society.
In his opening speech, Mohammed bin Said al Balushi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Information, underscored the necessity of a proactive national response to social media’s growing influence, particularly on youth. Citing the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Al Balushi emphasised the need for strategic measures to safeguard societal values, strengthen family cohesion and ensure the proper upbringing of children in an increasingly digital world.
He noted that while social media platforms have revolutionised communication and global connectivity, they have also introduced significant risks, including social isolation, digital addiction, mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, and ethical issues like cyberbullying, harassment, misinformation, fraud, and the distortion of national achievements. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive national framework to mitigate these risks while promoting responsible and constructive digital engagement.
The workshop opened with a short film highlighting the importance of Omani citizenship values and preserving national identity in the digital age. Participants also reviewed various media initiatives aimed at fostering responsible social media engagement.
Azhar al Shaqsi, representing the Government Communication Center at the Ministry of Information, outlined the workshop’s strategic vision. He presented findings from an in-depth study conducted by a research team focused on developing a national social media framework for Oman’s youth and the wider public.
Dr Abdullah al Kindi, the lead researcher, shared critical insights from the study, which revealed a limited awareness among Omanis regarding legal aspects of social media use. The research highlighted that 78.12 per cent of Omani children actively use social media applications.
96 per cent of Omanis have engaged with at least one social media platform in the past three months.
WhatsApp is the most used application in Oman, with an adoption rate of 99.10 per cent.
While the study acknowledged social media’s benefits such as enhanced connectivity and digital skill development, it also identified major concerns, including privacy violations, cybercrimes, addiction and cyberbullying.
The workshop focuses on four key objectives related to promoting digital citizenship: Encouraging ethical and responsible online behaviour, enhancing media literacy namely educating youth and families on identifying credible information and countering misinformation, developing sustainable policies and establishing long-term regulations to address social media’s impact on individuals and communities, and
supporting local digital industries and strengthening Oman’s digital economy through content creation and technological innovation.
Dr Al Kindi emphasised that this workshop marks a crucial step towards finalising a structured national social media framework. He explained that extensive research, expert consultations and statistical analyses have contributed to shaping this initiative, ensuring its alignment with Oman’s social and cultural values.
The workshop is expected to conclude with a detailed roadmap outlining actionable programmes and policies, developed in collaboration with key government and private sector stakeholders.
Maymouna al Wahaibi, representing the Oman Investment Authority, reiterated the urgency of establishing a national framework to manage the evolving influence of social media. She stressed that while these platforms facilitate knowledge sharing, relationship-building and awareness campaigns, they also pose significant risks that necessitate structured regulations.
She further noted that Oman’s digital strategy must balance innovation with responsibility, ensuring that social media serves as a tool for positive engagement rather than a source of societal disruption.
As Oman continues its journey towards digital transformation, this workshop serves as a critical platform for policymakers, educators and digital experts to collaboratively shape a sustainable and secure social media environment.
With a forward-thinking approach, the nation is poised to harness the benefits of digital connectivity while safeguarding its societal values and fostering a responsible online culture for future generations.
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