Children in Qatar are showing strong engagement with AI tools and social media platforms, reflecting global digital trends while carving out unique patterns of curiosity, according to an industry expert.
“YouTube remains the primary content platform for children, accounting for nearly a quarter of all app time among children in Qatar, a pattern consistent with global trends,” Andrey Sidenko, Cyber Literacy Projects lead at Kaspersky, told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview.
He said Google Chrome and WhatsApp follow as the second and third most popular apps, underscoring the breadth of digital activity among young users.
According to Sidenko, children’s interests are diverse, spanning education, global sporting events, music, gaming, and content creators.
AI-related apps and services already make up a quarter of all Google searches among children, underscoring their readiness to adopt emerging technologies.
This trend demonstrates that children are naturally curious about new technologies and are often among the earliest adopters of digital innovations, he said.
Sidenko noted that children perceive AI tools as learning companions, creative assistants, and entertainment platforms, using them for schoolwork, curiosity, and content creation.
Unlike traditional search engines, Sidenko explained that AI systems offer conversational interactions that feel more engaging and intuitive, particularly for younger users.
Educators and families face the challenge of guiding this early adoption with digital literacy and critical thinking skills, rather than restricting access altogether. He said, “The goal should be to equip them with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need to benefit from technology safely rather than restrict it altogether.”
Parents are encouraged to foster open conversations about technology, building digital hygiene habits and encouraging children to verify information.
“Children learn very quickly, and technology develops just as rapidly. It’s perfectly acceptable for parents to turn to their child for help mastering a particular technology or service, whether it’s social media, a computer game, or even AI,” he stressed, adding that parental control solutions, such as Kaspersky Safe Kids can provide additional support by giving parents visibility into online activities while respecting independence.
As children in Qatar continue to explore AI tools and digital platforms, Sidenko reiterated that the balance between curiosity and responsibility will define how this generation navigates the online world.
He added: “With AI tools becoming a part of everyday life, whether this is amongst adults or children, in educational or professional settings, it is important to embrace new technologies rather than avoid them altogether.”
