A recent study conducted by Analyseize Research & Studies revealed widespread concern among Jordanians regarding children’s use of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The study, which surveyed 1,471 respondents across all governorates of Jordan, found broad consensus on the need to impose restrictions and protective measures for children in the digital space.
اضافة اعلان
The study, presented yesterday during a special dialogue session at the institution’s headquarters with media representatives, focused on the risks posed by social media and AI tools to children, from the perspective of parents and society. Data collection took place from December 20, 2025, to January 10, 2026. The study was titled “Digital Concerns in Jordan: Public Perceptions on Social Media and AI Tools” and coincided with the Global Safer Internet Day.
Globally, the use of social media and AI by children and adolescents is a growing concern for governments and public opinion. Some countries are moving toward restricting or banning children’s access to social media based on scientific studies documenting associated risks, in accordance with social, ethical, psychological, and educational standards. To date, no Arab or North African country has introduced age-based legislation for social media use. Jordan, however, recently announced the formation of a national committee — the first of its kind — to protect children from social media risks.
The study showed that the majority of respondents agreed on the necessity of “clear consensus to impose legal regulations and preventive measures to protect children in digital spaces.” Specifically:
90% of participants supported legislation restricting access to social media for children aged 15 and below.
87% supported regulating children’s use of AI tools.
This reflects broad agreement on the need for official regulatory frameworks to protect children in digital environments. Women made up 51% of respondents, men 49%, and 53% reported having children. Respondents ranged in age from 15 to over 65, with the majority aged 25–34.
The study also highlighted generational differences in perceiving digital risks. Adults, especially parents, focus on external and behavioral risks such as exposure to inappropriate content, online exploitation or harassment, and platform addiction. Children and adolescents, on the other hand, are more concerned with internal psychological effects, including social comparison, self-esteem impacts, and stress from constant online presence. This indicates that adults and youth experience the digital world differently and assess its effects from different perspectives.
Key findings include:
88% believe children under 12 cannot safely use social media.
86% oppose unsupervised use of social media by children 15 and under.
Most respondents agreed that independent social media use should not begin before mid-to-late adolescence, with age 17 emerging as the most acceptable starting point.
High levels of concern were reported regarding exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and social isolation. 85% feared that social media use could weaken direct relationships or increase social isolation. When asked about the top three risks, participants ranked exposure to inappropriate content first, followed by online exploitation or harassment, and then phone/social media addiction.
Regarding AI, over 80% expressed concern about its impact on children’s learning and decision-making abilities, while 81% worried that AI could reduce real-world interaction or increase isolation. Adults consistently reported higher levels of concern than adolescents, reinforcing the existence of an age gap in evaluating digital technology impacts.
The study also revealed growing actual use of AI, not limited to education, work, or entertainment:
47% used AI to search for health-related information.
37% used it for emotional support or personal advice.
23% used it to express feelings they were uncomfortable sharing with others.
Younger participants, especially ages 15–24, were more likely to use AI for emotional expression (40%) compared to just 7% of those aged 55 and older, suggesting that AI has become an alternative space for psychological support among some youth.
The study showed a clear perception of responsibility, with most participants identifying parents as primarily responsible for children’s digital protection, alongside an expected key role for schools in delivering digital awareness programs. Respondents broadly supported practical preventive measures, including limiting social media use time and restricting content available to children.
Conducted amid widespread internet and digital technology use in Jordan — with 96.5% of households connected to the internet and 97.5% of these households owning smartphones — the study aims to move the discussion about children and digital technology from general impressions to a data-driven understanding that accounts for the differing experiences of adults and children, supporting more informed decisions to protect future generations.
