MUSCAT – Warning that overexposure can lead to cyber addiction and a disconnect from real-life emotional development, the Ministry stressed that “devices were not created to raise our children… but to be used wisely.”
In a notice issued online, the Ministry stated: “A child does not need a screen to light up their world, but an eye that loves them, a voice that responds to them, and a heart that pays attention to them. So, beware of buying them false comfort at the cost of genuine childhood.”
The Ministry highlighted several key signs that may indicate cyber addiction in children and adolescents:
• Sudden mood changes
• Withdrawal from social, academic, or family life
• Compulsive device usage, including repeated checking of messages or notifications
• Irritability, anxiety, or anger when not using devices
• Disturbed sleep patterns, depression, or chronic stress
• Loss of interest in offline activities
The Ministry concluded by urging families to be present and attentive, noting that emotional connection—not digital convenience—is the foundation of a healthy, happy childhood.