Ayn for Kids Interface: Kid-Friendly Content in Comprehensive
Learning Environment

Muscat, 28 Apr (ONA) —— Amid the so-called Fourth Industrial
Revolution and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence—coupled with
the evolution of media content delivery technologies such as smartphones and
tablets, modern parenting faces genuine challenges in many societies. These
challenges revolve around preserving principles, identity, and ethical values
in the face of child-targeted content from various satellite and digital
channels carrying foreign cultures, customs, and values.

The Ministry of Information launched last Thursday “Ayn for
Kids”, a kid’s interface on Ayn platform, designed to enrich content tailored
for this age group. The initiative aims to provide children with knowledge
resources that shape their awareness, develop their personalities, and
strengthen their national identity, aligning with the Royal vision and
directives, as well as the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Noura Mohammed Al Zadjali, a parent, expressed her joy at the
launch, stating: “The newly-launched interface will serve as a vital model
connecting generations to the authentic values of Omani society through content
rooted in our culture and reinforcing our national identity—all via easily
accessible programs for our children.”

Speaking to Oman News Agency (ONA), she noted that what sets
this interface apart is its alignment with the rapid developments in life and
the dominance of technology across all fields. “Our children cannot remain
isolated from it; they engage with what platforms broadcast, and we cannot deny
the valuable content that enriches them with information and skills.” She
added that these platforms have replaced traditional TV channels for several
reasons, including content diversity, choices, and flexible viewing schedules.

“As parents, we highly value anything that contributes to raising
children soundly, ensuring their exposure to safe content. The ‘Kids Interface’
on Ayn platform will significantly ease our selection of secure,
thought-provoking content that enriches their free time,” she added.

On his turn, Dr. Maamar Ali Al Toubi, an AI specialist, told
Oman News Agency that the launch represents a qualitative shift in Oman’s media
landscape. “This initiative should not be viewed merely as additional
children’s content but as a milestone in the national transition toward interactive
digital media—a strategic step responding to technological changes reshaping
humanity’s relationship with knowledge, especially among younger generations,”
affirmed Dr. Maamar.

“In a world where smart screens surpass paper and a ‘click’ is
faster than flipping pages, media institutions must reformulate their tools to
align with new consumption patterns,” he said. He described “Aynfor
Kids” as a conscious response to this challenge, offering not just traditional
child-oriented content but a holistic vision where knowledge is framed in
contemporary language and media literacy begins in childhood—when cognitive
perceptions and identity are formed.

He emphasized that the interface’s significance lies in
transitioning Omani children from passive consumers of globalized digital
content—often influenced by unregulated digital globalization—to active
participants in a culturally and ethically tailored digital environment.

“This shifts media from one-way broadcasting to interactive
engagement, granting children the right to explore and experiment within a safe
space.” He stressed that “Ayn for Kids” is not an imitation of foreign
models but an Omani-designed framework merging educational messaging with
technical appeal.

From another technical perspective, he noted that the interface
reflects a deep understanding of digital security needs, providing children
with curated content that shields their awareness from misinformation. “It
offers an attractive alternative to the randomness of globalized content, which
often lacks alignment with our Arab and Islamic cultures,” he further noted.

He regarded Ayn for Kids as a digital incubator for Omani
identity, explaining that the Ministry of Information launched it not merely as
a technical solution but as part of a national project transitioning from
traditional media to an interactive, inclusive, and innovative media
environment—proactively shaping the new generation’s consciousness.

For her part, Dr. Ahoud Said Al Balushi, member of the State
Council told Oman News Agency that the launch of a dedicated digital platform
for children in the Sultanate of Oman holds significant educational, cultural,
and social value—especially amid the vast digital exposure children face
today.

The platform will provide a safe online environment, mitigating
risks associated with children accessing age-inappropriate or culturally
unsuitable websites and applications, she affirmed.

She added that the platform will also help bridge the digital
gap in Arabic child-oriented content by offering interactive, enriching
educational material aligned with Oman’s core values and principles, while
reinforcing national identity. The initiative considers the diverse needs of
different age groups, particularly in promoting digital inclusion for children
with visual and hearing impairments.

Additionally, allocating space for child content creators will
directly nurture their creativity in content production and foster future media
talents, enhancing Oman’s media landscape, she further added.

Dr. Al Balushi emphasized that shaping young minds requires
collaborative efforts across societal institutions. This child-centric platform
will undoubtedly serve as a key educational tool, strengthening Omani culture
and values—integral elements in all its programs—though the primary guidance
must still come from the child’s immediate environment.

As a digital platform tailored to this generation’s interests,
she noted, it will have a direct impact by delivering knowledge through
engaging, enjoyable experiences. However, its success hinges on effective
content curation by creators and administrators, as well as strategic marketing
amid the vast competition in the virtual space.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Hamad Al Harthy, Head of the Media,
Tourism, and Culture Committee at the Shura Council, stresses to Oman News
Agency the importance of the launch, which seeks to foster a generation
equipped with knowledge, values, and ethics—capable of navigating change while
preserving identity. “The platform steers the course correctly with its
Omani-centric values and ethics, directly engaging Omani society, especially
children,” he said.

He stressed the need for collaboration with child literature
specialists to develop captivating scientific content aligned with Oman’s
nature, values, and heritage—rooted in religion, civilization, and timeless
traditions. “Content must match children’s ambitions and goals, focusing on
science paired with games and entertainment,” he affirmed.

He highlighted that the launch comes amid rapid technological
acceleration, serving as an essential alternative for children—ensuring their
future safety, behavioral correction, and habit formation. “The interface
provides a safe environment combining diverse ideas, activities, and
fields.” He urged partnerships between the platform, the Ministry of
Education, and other institutions to encourage student engagement.

“Delivering information in an engaging manner is among the
platform’s core tasks—to nurture and showcase children’s talents, establishing
a base for gifted contributors,” added Al Harthy.

He noted that interacting with digital content is now an
inevitable reality, necessitating child awareness and monitoring.
“Self-regulation must be reinforced through values instilled at home, school,
and society, highlighting the dangers of global digital content.”

He underscored the importance of encouraging children to embrace
scientific and technological advancements while fostering creativity in
producing content aligned with Omani values—protecting society from disruptive
influences that alter behaviors and attitudes.

For her part, Dr. Wafa Salim Al Shamsi, a child literature
specialist, told Oman News Agency that the kids interface in Ayn platform is a
strategic step toward building a safe, rich digital knowledge environment for
Omani children—bridging cultural authenticity and technological modernity.

She added that the interface can deliver literary content
respecting local cultural context, promoting Arabic reading to strengthen
linguistic and national identity. It also provides opportunities for Omani
writers and illustrators to contribute to high-quality digital literary
content, fostering internal cultural movement and regional collaboration.

On how the content enhances children’s awareness, she said:
“Awareness isn’t built solely on information but through stories, examples, and
internal dialogue. When content is presented intelligently, it cultivates
critical thinking, discernment, empathy, and imagination via enjoyable,
interactive texts—simplifying complex concepts like environmental protection,
tolerance, and digital security in developmentally appropriate ways.

Values should be woven into dramatic contexts where children
empathize with characters, not just receive lessons.”

She suggested parents use the interface for shared daily
reading, strengthening family bonds and developing language and listening
skills. “The platform can offer audiobooks and visual content, suitable even
for preschoolers, while allowing parents to track interests and engage in
post-reading discussions—transforming stories into dialogue gateways.” A
parental guide on maximizing content for value reinforcement would be
essential.

On the importance of child interaction with digital content, she
stressed: “Interaction is key in the digital age. Passive consumption is insufficient—today’s
children crave touch, choice, and influence. The interface can enhance this
through interactive stories, literary-based educational games, and creative
competitions, fostering not just language skills but creativity, artistry, and
decision-making—vital 21st-century competencies.”

The kids interface in Ayn platform offers multifaceted
content—educational, entertaining, and cultural—including cartoons, programs,
audio content, audiobooks, and more for ages 4–18. It delivers a carefully designed
digital edutainment experience with a visually appealing, child-friendly
interface featuring vibrant colors inspired by Ayn. Accessibility for children
with hearing or visual impairments is prioritized.

The key features include safe content reinforcing national
identity and ethics; Exclusive Ayn platform content; Personalized child
accounts with cartoon avatars; Offline content download; Search functionality
for audio/visual materials; Resume-watching/listening features; And a space for
child content creators, showcasing young innovators and fostering future media
models.

The interface hosts diverse media, including radio/TV programs,
Ayn-exclusive productions, animations, audiobooks, and over 65,000 visual/audio
materials—8,000+ dedicated to children.

This initiative marks Oman’s stride toward a secure,
identity-anchored digital future for its youngest generation.

—— Ends/AH