Early exposure to AI tools is equipping children in Qatar with digital skills that will feed directly into the country’s future workforce and innovation economy, according to an industry expert. Children’s engagement with AI platforms is fostering confidence and familiarity with technologies, Andrey Sidenko, Cyber Literacy Projects lead at Kaspersky, told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.
“By learning how to use AI responsibly and effectively from a young age, they will be better positioned to contribute to innovation and participate in a technology-driven economy,” Sidenko pointed out.
The growing interest among children in AI and global digital trends presents an opportunity to cultivate future developers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology leaders, explained Sidenko.
This trend aligns with Qatar’s broader innovation agenda, where digital literacy is seen as a strategic investment in human capital. “The country’s strong digital infrastructure and growing focus on innovation create favourable conditions for developing advanced digital education programmes,” he said.
According to Sidenko, government-led initiatives can strengthen existing efforts by providing digital literacy programmes, awareness campaigns and educational resources that help children, parents, and educators understand evolving online risks.
“These initiatives can also encourage safer online practices and promote a culture of responsible technology use,” he emphasised.
Sidenko stressed that schools and community organisations are being called to treat cybersecurity awareness as fundamental as road safety, embedding it into workshops and campaigns.
“Cybersecurity awareness should become as fundamental as road safety or financial literacy because digital habits formed early often stay for life,” he said.
Digital safety concerns remain pressing, with risks ranging from oversharing personal data to misuse of AI tools for cyberbullying or misleading content, stated Sidenko, adding that children may overshare sensitive personal information with AI systems without fully understanding how that information may be processed or stored.
Sidenko emphasised that parents are encouraged to strike a balance between curiosity and responsibility, fostering open conversations and digital hygiene habits. “Open and judgement-free conversations about technology can be beneficial to both children and adults as to understand both the benefits and limitations of new technologies,” he noted.
Sidenko pointed out: “By continuing to invest in digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness and responsible technology education, Qatar can help equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world while setting an example for the wider region.”
As children’s digital habits evolve, Sidenko explained that their early exposure to AI tools is not only shaping personal behaviour but also laying the foundation for Qatar’s innovation-driven future.
“By learning how to use AI responsibly and effectively from a young age, they will be better positioned to contribute to innovation and participate in a technology-driven economy,” he added.