Abu Dhabi: During the opening session of the second day of the ongoing Global Media Congress 2024, Dr. Yousef Al Hammadi, Executive Director of Knowledge and Impact at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, emphasised that young children are the future leaders and the driving force of tomorrow.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Al Hammadi highlighted the importance of media messages directed at children, stating that they must be accurate and appropriate to guide them towards a promising future. He referenced the impact of television programmes from the 1960s, which made education accessible to all and noted that children who engaged with these programmes achieved higher academic levels than those who did not. These programmes helped children gain essential skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and a sense of connection with others.
The recent annual meetings of the UAE Government, attended by the nation’s leadership, underscored family support as a key priority for the coming years. This includes
social and economic support, as well as assistance to groups that need strong familial bonds. Dr. Al Hammadi explained that the focus on young children is due to the importance of the first five years of their development, which significantly shape their thinking and personality. However, he acknowledged that parents and caregivers often struggle to find enough time to address their children’s needs.
In this context, Dr. Al Hammadi elaborated on the profound influence of storytellers and content creators in shaping children’s perspectives at this critical stage. He stressed the importance of strengthening the role of social media in enriching family connections and equipping families with accurate knowledge and information. As both a mirror and a mould of society, media must play a greater role in highlighting creators of positive and high-quality content while showcasing the initiatives and values of the UAE.