The CEO of the General Commission for Audiovisual Media, Dr. Abdulatif bin Mohammed Alabdullatif, participated in the seventh edition of the Family Forum and Family Guidance, held in Riyadh from September 1-2, 2024. During the second session, he discussed the importance of media in strengthening family bonds and upholding societal values.
In his paper, Dr. Alabdullatif emphasized that the family is one of the essential pillars of society. He pointed out the impact of media transformation on building societal and family awareness. He stated that the Commission has established a set of media regulations to provide a safe environment for families, ensuring content that respects values and principles while promoting social responsibility.
He also highlighted the significance of age classification in media content, noting that the Commission classifies around 1,400 games and films annually. This helps families choose age-appropriate content for their children.
Dr. Alabdullatif underscored the role of parental supervision as the first line of defense in protecting youth from harmful media content, stressing the importance of educating parents about the dangers of excessive media use and how to activate parental control tools.
Additionally, he mentioned the Commission's commitment to governing influencer advertisements on social media to ensure advertising quality aligns with ethical standards and societal values, emphasizing that regulations prevent the exploitation of children in advertising promotions.
In closing, Dr. Alabdullatif called on media outlets and parents to fulfill their roles in protecting children and promoting family values. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with relevant entities and the complementary role with the Family Affairs Council to strengthen the building of a strong and cohesive family.
It is noteworthy that the Family Forum and Family Guidance is organized by the Family Affairs Council, under the theme "Family and Family Guidance: Building Strength from Within in a Changing World.