Qatar Summit explores impact of technology on children’s well-being

Named after camel, which symbolizes strength, patience, and resilience, project aims to teach children programming in way that reflects Arab and Islamic values

DOHA, Qatar (MNTV) – At the inaugural BilAraby Summit hosted by Qatar Foundation this week, Dr. Abdulwahed Zainel, founder of Camel Code, addressed the growing challenge of balancing technology use with children’s well-being in today’s digital age. 

The summit, dedicated to amplifying Arabic voices and ideas, featured Dr. Zainel’s talk on the changing nature of childhood and the challenges posed by modern technology, reported Qatar Tribune.

Dr. Zainel discussed the widening gap between generations, explaining how children today are exposed to advanced technology, from fifth-generation gaming consoles to smartwatches, creating a sense of alienation from past generations. 

“Like many parents, I dream of making a difference in my children’s lives,” said Dr. Zainel. “And to do so, I need to understand their reality, and the challenges and opportunities around them.”

He pointed out the stark contrast between the challenges faced by today’s parents and those of previous generations. 

In the past, fears centered around contagious diseases, but today, the dangers are subtler – the impact of screen time on children’s emotional and physical health.

Dr. Zainel highlighted several consequences of prolonged screen exposure, including impaired emotional and auditory development, sleep disorders, increased obesity rates, mental health issues, and early-onset depression. 

He stressed the importance of understanding the broader implications of technology on young minds.

Rather than recommending drastic measures, such as completely removing digital devices from children, Dr. Zainel advocated for more thoughtful and responsible approaches. 

“Centers and academies that teach programming and 3D printing are effective solutions,” he suggested. “They allow children to use technology for creativity and innovation, rather than merely as a form of entertainment.”

The inspiration for Dr. Zainel’s Camel Code initiative stemmed from his desire to provide his children with the tools to engage with technology constructively. 

“We built our curriculum from scratch to preserve our identity,” Dr. Zainel explained, emphasizing that the goal is not to reject technology but to guide children in using it responsibly and purposefully.

“The camel’s steady, methodical steps along a rugged path are a metaphor for how we approached this project,” Dr. Zainel concluded. “Technology is not the real enemy – it’s the way we use it.”