Dr. Fatma Antar, Assistant Minister of Awqaf for Preachers’ Affairs, stressed that Egyptian families are facing growing challenges amid rapid digital transformations.

She emphasized that social media should be approached through awareness and guidance rather than complete restrictions.

Speaking in televised remarks during the second day of the 11th conference organized by Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta, Antar explained that social media has become an essential part of everyday life while carrying both positive and negative aspects.

Dialogue Is Better Than a Complete Ban

Antar stressed that completely preventing children from using social media is no longer an effective solution to digital challenges and could sometimes produce the opposite result.

She emphasized the importance of maintaining direct and continuous dialogue with children to help them understand online risks and identify content that is appropriate for their values and social environment.

Awareness Is the Foundation of Family Protection

The Assistant Minister of Awqaf for Preachers’ Affairs said awareness is one of the most important tools for confronting the negative effects of social media.

She explained that families need to teach children how to use technology responsibly rather than simply attempting to separate them from it, particularly as younger generations are deeply connected to the digital world.

The Need for Engaging Alternative Content

Antar also highlighted the importance of producing attractive alternative content capable of competing with what young people encounter daily on digital platforms.

She stressed that awareness-oriented content must be engaging enough to capture young audiences’ attention and generate meaningful interaction within the digital environment.

Generation Z and Generation Alpha Need New Communication Methods

Antar noted that younger generations, particularly Generation Z and Generation Alpha, have different ways of thinking, communicating, and interacting with technology.

As a result, she said, traditional communication methods alone may not be sufficient. Modern approaches are needed to communicate effectively with younger audiences and address their interests and concerns.

How Can Families Find Balance in the Digital Age?

According to Antar, the solution is not to completely withdraw from technology but to achieve a balance between benefiting from its advantages and avoiding its potential risks.

This includes building relationships based on dialogue and trust, educating children about digital risks, encouraging positive content, and promoting responsible social media use.

Awareness and Technology Can Help Preserve Family Cohesion

The Assistant Minister of Awqaf emphasized that responsible engagement with technology is an important element in preserving family cohesion.

She explained that raising a generation capable of dealing with modern changes requires combining family values with digital awareness, while also developing communication and content strategies that reflect the needs and habits of younger generations.

What is Fatma Antar’s position on banning social media for children?
She believes complete bans are not an effective solution and that dialogue, guidance, and awareness are more important.

Why is awareness important when using social media?
Awareness helps children recognize digital risks, choose appropriate content, and use technology responsibly.

How can families protect children from social media risks?
Through continuous dialogue, guidance, appropriate supervision, and teaching children responsible digital habits.

Why do younger generations require different communication methods?
Generation Z and Generation Alpha interact with technology differently, requiring modern and engaging communication approaches.

Is technology only a threat to families?
No. Technology offers many benefits, so the key is finding a balance between its advantages and potential negative effects.