Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
As the digital age takes learning beyond classroom walls, educational content creators in the UAE are stepping up to make sure youngsters' screen time is worth the scroll.
"Content creators are partners in shaping societal awareness. Today, every time anyone publishes anything, they are contributing to shaping a generation," digital media expert Nasser Mohammed told Aletihad.
He said all online content has a target audience - whether parents, children or youth - and creators must consider how it is received and experienced, not only on screens but also within the home.
Mohammed, also a content creator, believes that effective educational clips should connect digital learning with everyday life. "Smart content is what connects the classroom with the home as it delivers educational value," he said.
Strategy consulting manager Mahmoud Abuqalbain said his own journey into content creation was driven by a desire to share knowledge with a wider audience. "I always felt there was something I could share with people who follow me, in the hope that it might benefit them," Abuqalbain told Aletihad.
His content focuses on correcting misconceptions, particularly in areas where false information has become widespread. "There is a lot of misinformation out there, cultural, scientific and beyond, and I thought it would be meaningful to help correct some of those myths in an educational way," he said.
Dima Mahboubeh, trainer and expert in media and information literacy, agreed that social media has transformed the way knowledge reaches the younger generation.
"For the first time in history, any young person anywhere in the world can learn at any time they choose, at no cost, whether through YouTube, TikTok or Instagram," Mahboubeh told Aletihad.
She emphasised that educational content is not only easy to access, but also well suited to younger audiences, as formats like short videos, animation, and infographics help explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.
"What matters more than just publishing content is building genuine learning communities. When followers interact in the comments, discuss topics, and ask questions, learning transforms from a passive, individual process into an active, collective experience," Mahboubeh said.
Abuqalbain also observed that, unlike classrooms where one-size-fits-all material is delivered, digital platforms tailor content to users' preferences. "Social media allows people to learn what they are actually passionate about through tailored algorithms," he added.
Being a Responsible Content Creator
However, Abuqalbain acknowledged that sharing educational information online carries significant responsibility. "Information evolves over time. Honesty and due diligence are essential when sharing knowledge with large audiences," Abuqalbain said, stressing the importance of researching topics, reviewing opposing viewpoints, and avoiding biases, especially when facts contradict personal assumptions.
The UAE has introduced safeguards to keep children safe online. In December 2025, it issued a federal decree-law to protect children from digital risks and promote safe, age-appropriate content. The child digital safety law requires digital platforms to establish default privacy settings, verify users' ages, apply content filters and age ratings, enable blocking tools, and regulate targeted advertising.
Mohammed said building a strong regulatory environment influences how educational content is distributed across digital platforms. "There will be a natural filtering of content. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube will increasingly support meaningful content. Quantity may decrease, but quality will rise," he said.
He added that there is a clear shift toward content that reflects the identity and values of society, which creates more opportunities for local content creators.
"Regulation does not stop growth, it creates a healthy environment for it," Mohammed said. "We will see more opportunities for local companies, content creators, and digital education projects. Those who know how to operate within this framework will be the ones who succeed."
