Emirati Girls Forum: Technology can negatively affect girls

Sharjah: Modern technology can have a negative impact on the behaviour of young females and can hinder their personality and their social life.

This theory was among one of six research papers presented yesterday as part of the first Emirati Girls Forum, which was held under the patronage of Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, wife of Sharjah Ruler His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi and Chairwoman of Sharjah's Supreme Council on Family.

Held under the theme, "Emirati Girls — Visions and Achievements" and organised by the General Department of Children and Girls Centres, the three-day forum at Cultural Palace aims to focus on the national identity of Emirati girls.

The biennial forum also included the participation of social workers from educational zones across the emirates, according to organisers.

"The study shows the positive side of modern technology as well as the negative side, which in some cases is represented in poor social interaction and misconduct, obsession with the latest fashion, and laziness," said Shaima Obaid Al Hammadi, a fourth year Management Information Systems student at Zayed University who did the reasearch.

"Universities and schools should spread awareness among their students on how modern technologies should be used through campaigns…," said Shaima.

A second study presented by Aliah Rashid Ahmad, a fourth year Business Administration and Human Resources student at Higher College of Technology in Sharjah, highlighted the challenge to national identity.

"It is difficult to maintain your national identity since there is a lot of foreign influence in the country. Many people nowadays tend to mix English words when they are speaking in Arabic, and are also imitating Western fashion," she said.

Some issues under spotlight at the Emirati Girls Forum

- National identity

- Impact of media on the Emirati girls culture

- Girls' need for communication with the family