Research from the Warrior Academy reveals 61 percent of UAE parents consider building confidence their main priority for their children in 2025, with concentration and focus important to 28 percent of respondents.
The study, conducted by the Middle East’s largest martial arts club, found 36 percent of parents want their children to overcome hesitation and fear whilst maintaining self-discipline.
Parents reported their children struggle with meeting new people and entering unfamiliar environments, highlighting the need for building resilience and character.
New study reveals UAE parents’ top concerns for children’s development in 2025
The findings emerge amid concerns about screen time impact on children’s mental health. Data from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry shows children aged 8-12 in the United States spend 4-6 hours daily on screens, with teenagers reaching up to 9 hours.
Research published in BMC Public Health links increased screen time to depression, anxiety, inattention and aggression in children aged 9-10.
“As the new-school term gets underway, we wanted to understand from parents their aspirations for their child’s development this year. Building confidence overwhelmingly came up as the top attribute, with parents feeling this would help their child become more resilient, increase their self-esteem and their sense of overall well-being,” Sebastian Bates, founder of the Warrior Academy and author of ‘The Not a Victim’, said.
“But with so many factors at play as children grow up, and especially with many expats living in the UAE, it’s not always easy to ‘be confident’, and it’s no surprise that the parents in our survey felt this was one area that could be strengthened in their children. There are so many hurdles that children will experience that can often knock them down and have a real effect on their sense of self,” he added.
The research identified bullying as parents’ primary concern, with 22 percent wanting to equip their children with tools to address bullying at school.
Parents report using various methods to build confidence, including after-school activities, social engagements and family time. They emphasise positive reinforcement and open dialogue to build trust.
The study also revealed parents value development of empathy and prioritisation of mental and physical wellbeing in their children.
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