Saudi Parents More Engaged in Co-Play Than Global Peers, Ithra Study Reveals
Saudi parents are more engaged in digital co-play with their children than their global counterparts, according to a new study by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra).
The report, “The Truth About Family Life in a Digital Age,” was unveiled during Sync’s summit at the Global Symposium for Regulators 2025 side event, hosted at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.
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Conducted by Ithra’s digital wellbeing initiative Sync in partnership with the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), the two-year study surveyed more than 750 Saudi participants, offering the first national insight into how technology is reshaping family life in the Kingdom.
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Key Findings
- 93% of parents value digital devices for learning, access to information, and future skills.
- Parents show a preference for games that encourage learning and co-play.
- Concerns remain over impacts on sleep (37%), physical activity (34%), and creativity (33%).
- 85%+ believe technology supports education, health, and global cooperation.
- 90% want stronger safeguards to protect cultural values.
- 95% support government regulation of online content, with half favoring public awareness campaigns.
Global Benchmark for Digital Childhood
“This report represents a global benchmark in understanding how rapid technological development is redefining childhood,” said Dr. Fahad Beyahi, head of digital wellbeing at Sync. “It offers not only a reflection, but a call to action to ensure the next generation thrives in the digital age.”
Princess Nouf bint Muhammad Al Saud, CEO of the King Khalid Foundation, delivered the keynote address at the summit, themed “Gen Alpha, Gen AI: Who’s Protecting Our Future Generation?” The event featured panels on regulation, digital childhood, and policy frameworks.
Mussab Alsaaran, acting director at Ithra, described Sync as a “Saudi initiative with a global mission to help people everywhere build healthier, more balanced relationships with technology.”
Balancing Innovation and Culture
The study concludes that Saudi families are actively shaping digital transformation, embracing progress while preserving cultural values — positioning the Kingdom as a leader in digital parenting trends.
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