Recently, the university held an Intellectual Security Forum (Digital Citizenship). The Intellectual Awareness Unit conducted the forum on behalf of King Khalid University Rector, Prof. Falleh R. M. Al-Solamy. At the conclusion of the forum, there were two plenary sessions regarding the practical application of intellectual security theories.

The first session, moderated by Dr. Dwla Asiri from King Khalid University, focused on education and intellectual security. King Khalid University faculty member, Dr. Lubnaa Al-Ajmi explored this topic in-depth by presenting a research paper on the role of educational institutions in promoting digital citizenship. As social media and mass communication via the internet are relatively new phenomena, maintaining intellectual security and societal cohesiveness are new areas of study in education. As such, this nascent field requires intensive research by institutions of higher learning such as King Khalid University. This research will help clarify the security issues and reveal potential solutions to any societal challenges resulting from advancing technologies.

Supervisor of the Guidance Center at King Khalid University, Dr. Khudran Al-Shane, presented a paper on the danger of electronic games and its relationship with digital citizenship. In sum, he concluded inter alia that mitigating risk in this area requires a comprehensive and cooperative effort. He highlighted the many treatment programs adopted by many institutions such as the Ministry of Health and numerous social centers.

The second session, moderated by student Khalood Al-Amer from King Khalid University, focused on the inherent risks of social media usage and the various strategies to mitigate danger to young people through education. King Faisal University student Abdulrahman Al-Rashidi discussed the social implications of the illegitimate use of social media and other electronic technologies. He also summarized the various stratagems for preventing such harmful effects. Then, Abdulrahman Al-Hadi from Tabuk University defined and discussed the parameters for intellectual security and the framework for proper countermeasures. He also stressed the importance of maintaining social order in the face of threats to intellectual security.

Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University student, Abdulaziz Al-Eid, presented a paper on the impact of social networking on the youth population. He recounted the numerous intellectual fallacies permeating the internet ecosystems. Hail University student, Atef Al-Rashidi, and Islamic University student, Abu Fajlah bin Abas, presented their paper on the same topic in which they reached similar conclusions as to the dangers of social media.

There was also a training course titled 'The Role of Educational Institutions in Promoting National Unity' presented by Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Haleel. The training focused on empowering student leaders, such as club presidents and other student body organizations, to educate others on preventing the harmful effects of social media. Dr. Al-Haleel conducted in-depth discussions on the following important issues:

• Intellectual security and its relationship with national unity;
• The role of social institutions in intellectual security;
• The risk of extremism and violence promoted on the internet;
• Substantive indicia of breach of intellectual security.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the forum participants agreed upon a number of recommendations to address the issue of intellectual security as follows:

• Parents play a key role in monitoring their children's social media usage to prevent them from engaging in improper or otherwise harmful communications and content;
• Educators and educational institutions must raise awareness of the issues and educate young people on the proper use of their social media and other applications;
• To empower both young men and women to mentor and support one another in issues of intellectual security comporting with Vision 2030;
• Forming stratagems to hold social media and other communication providers accountable for content permitted on their platforms;
• The responsibility of educational institutions to develop curricula that raises awareness and enhances intellectual security in electronic technology environments;
• Develop cadres of young men and women for leadership positions in intellectual awareness and education;
• Form a committee regarding the risks involved in youth video games;
• Prepare education and training kits comprised of materials intended to raise awareness and promote intellectual security;
• Propose that the intellectual security forum be a standing annual event at the university in order to keep the issue at the forefront of public awareness.

The participants thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, for their stalwart support and sponsorship of these vital national programs, which will help ensure the continued strength and unity of the Kingdom. The participants also thanked the Minister of Education and the Deputy Minister of Education for their approval of and participation in the forum. They also thanked His Excellency Rector Al-Solamy for his tutelage and guidance leading to the success of this forum.