Al-Sharika: Social media has strengthened youth's disregard for the elderly

The Center for Promoting Moderation at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, in collaboration with the Patients’ Aid Fund, organized a symposium titled “Wa Yak… Communicating with Them is Mercy” on Wednesday at the ministry’s theater in the Al-Raqai area. The event was attended by Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharika, Secretary-General of the Center for Promoting Moderation, and Major General (Retired) Badr Al-Ghudhuri, Chairman of the Community Security, Research, and Studies Committee and member of the Retired Officers Association.

The symposium is part of efforts to enhance community awareness and counter negative phenomena by addressing issues of human communication and the importance of interacting with various segments of society with a spirit of mercy and understanding. These efforts aim to support social cohesion, consolidate positive values, and mitigate behaviors and phenomena that could affect community security and stability.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Sharika, Secretary-General of the Center for Promoting Moderation, stated that the “Wa Yak… Communicating with Them is Mercy” event, hosted by the “Wa Yak” program to combat negative phenomena alien to society, serves to remind people of the rights of the elderly and to emphasize the importance of caring for their feelings and preserving their dignity, particularly that of parents. This helps reinforce their status and safeguard their rights from any negligence that might cause them sadness or psychological pain.

In his opening speech, Al-Sharika highlighted that one of the most prominent phenomena requiring attention is the neglect of the rights of the elderly, whether in the context of parents, which may constitute disobedience, or among elderly men and women. He noted that some people’s preoccupation with social media and changes in behavior among a segment of youth have contributed to instances of neglect, whether intentional or unintentional. He added that the event is held in cooperation between the Center for Promoting Moderation and the Patients’ Aid Fund, coinciding with International Day of Older Persons, to remind everyone of the importance of protecting the rights of this demographic.

For his part, Jamal Al-Fawzan, President of the Patients’ Aid Fund Association, said the association is keen to collaborate with various government entities and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to host such symposia and awareness events. These initiatives contribute to raising community issues, discussing them, and exchanging views and ideas, thereby achieving their intended objectives.

Al-Fawzan explained that since its establishment, the Patients’ Aid Fund Association has continued its efforts in assisting patients, whether through providing treatment and medications or through awareness and medical outreach. He noted that participation in such events stems from the association’s sense of responsibility and duty to contribute to serving society and enhancing awareness of issues affecting various segments of the community.

For his part, Major General (Retired) Badr Al-Ghudhuri, Chairman of the Community Security, Research, and Studies Committee and member of the Retired Officers Association, said the “Wa Yak… Communicating with Them is Mercy” event aims to raise awareness about the importance of strengthening relationships with the elderly and parents, emphasizing the need to care for them and pay attention to their well-being. He noted that his participation in the event was driven by the importance of reminding people of the rights and status of this group in society.

Al-Ghudhuri clarified that the event addresses several issues aimed at raising awareness among community members, particularly young men and women, about the importance of honoring parents and avoiding disobedience toward them. He emphasized the ongoing need for awareness campaigns on this issue and the importance of strengthening understanding of the relationship between children and their parents.