Introduction. Digital technologies are increasingly influencing children’s lives, with many seeking digital platforms for nutritional education. This study aims to assess the usability and acceptability of Ajyal Salima, a nutrition awareness digital platform targeting children aged 9-11, in four Arab countries.

Methods. A qualitative study was led across four countries: Lebanon, Bahrain, Palestine, and Jordan. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with children and parents, and one-to-one interviews were held with teachers. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results. Four major themes emerged: platform’s usability, content enjoyment, changes in children’s habits and recommendations to improve the platform. Overall, parents and teachers found the digital experience positive and useful and the content appropriate for children, particularly younger age groups. Challenges included registration difficulties, technical problems, internet accessibility, low parental involvement, and difficulties integrating the platform into teachers’ schedules. The platform’s animations were less effective in sustaining children’s attention amid evolving digital standards.

Conclusion. To enhance the platform’s effectiveness, recommendations include simplifying the registration process, enhancing content interactivity, aligning the platform with school curricula, and equipping teachers with supportive resources. Fostering stronger school-family partnerships and engaging parents through community initiatives may be considered to maximize the platform’s potential to promote healthier eating habits and improve nutritional awareness among children and their families, across the region.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

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I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

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The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Ethical approval of the study was granted by the Institutional Review Board of the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon (SBS-2021-0423).

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I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

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I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

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Authors email addresses:…

Nahla Hwalla: nahlaaub.edu.lb

Carla Maliha: cm35aub.edu.lb

Amira Kassis: Amiratheneatscience.com

Diala ammar: diala.tailfeathersgmail.com

Dr. Eman Haji: ehajihealth.gov.bh

Lina AlTarazi: ltarazirhas.org.jo

Suzan Totah: magester2007yahoo.com

Marco Bardus: m.bardusbham.ac.uk

All relevant data are within the manuscript and its Supporting Information files.