Ithra’s Sync Launches First-of-its-kind Gen Alpha Report at Global Symposium for Regulators 2025

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, 3rd of September of 2025   

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) unveiled a first-of-its-kind national study: “The Truth About Family Life in a Digital Age.” Developed by Sync, Ithra’s digital wellbeing initiative, the report was launched in partnership with the Communications, Space & Technology Commission, during Sync’s summit at the Global Symposium for Regulators 2025 side event. The GSR is a global platform organized annually by the Commission to bring together the heads of national regulatory authorities, decision-makers, and specialized experts to address regulatory developments in the ICT sectors. 

Held on the 2nd of September, at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center, Sync’s summit explored the theme of “Gen Alpha, Gen AI: Who’s Protecting Our Future Generation?” to gather global voices in tech, education, and policy, and explore proactive frameworks that safeguard children, preserve culture, and enable innovation to thrive.  

Summit highlights: 

• Opening remarks by Mussab Alsaaran, Acting Director of the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)

• A keynote by H.H Princess Nouf Bint Muhammad Al Saud, CEO of the King Khalid Foundation

• A panel discussion with the deputy governor of Strategy and Digitization at the Communications, Space & Technology Commission.  

• A main panel on policy, protection, and digital childhood, exploring proactive and inclusive regulation

• A TED-style segment featuring young speakers sharing their digital experiences 

“Sync is a Saudi initiative with a global mission to help people everywhere build healthier, more balanced relationships with technology,” said Mussab Alsaaran, Acting Director of Ithra, during his opening speech. 

Remarking on the report, he added: “Undertaken over two years, the Gen Alpha Report draws on more than 750 Saudi participants, including parents, educators, and experts, and combines quantitative survey data with qualitative anthropological research.

“The launch of this first-of-its-kind report examined how digital technology is reshaping childhood, parenting, and family life in Saudi Arabia.”

Alsaaran also emphasized the report’s most compelling findings:

• Over 85% believe technology can support education, health, and global cooperation, while 90% call for stronger safeguards to protect values.

• Most Saudi parents (93%) value devices for access to information and future skill development.   

• Saudi parents are more likely than global peers to engage in co-play with their children, and to favour games that support skill development. However, still having the concern of gaming’s impact on sleep (37%), physical activity (34%), and creativity and imagination (33%).  

• A significant 95% of parents support government regulation of online content, and half believe public education and awareness campaigns are the most effective approach.

• Saudi parents are vigilant on screen content to ensure that what their children consume is truthful, age-appropriate, and culturally aligned.

“This report represents a global benchmark in understanding how rapid technological development is redefining childhood,” said Dr. Fahad Beyahi, Head of Digital Wellbeing (Sync). “It offers not only a reflection, but a call to action to ensure the next generation thrives in the digital age. Through Sync, we are proud to shape a conversation that is as culturally grounded as it is globally relevant.”

Saudi families are not only adapting to digital transformation; they are actively shaping it, striking a balance between technological progress and the preservation of values. Sync’s wider efforts aim to inform public opinion, public policy and promote healthier digital ecosystems. Insights from both the national and global reports will feed into future campaigns, educational tools, and cross-sector programs supporting families and decision-makers worldwide.