The youths also emphasized that counseling is better than punishment and use of force, said Nouh bin Yahya Al-Shahri, supervisor of Prince Sultan Chair for Research on Youths and Haia Issues at King Abdulaziz University, which organized the forum.

The dialogue was held at the university’s Faculty of Arts on Wednesday and was attended by 25 young Saudi men and 10 field members of the Haia, including Saud Al-Obaidi, assistant director of its office in the Jeddah.

The youths also demanded that the Haia appoint qualified people as its field workers, adding that they should understand the requirements of youths.

“The forum was aimed at improving cooperation between the youths and Haia members and learning the main reasons for conflicts between them,” said Al-Shahri. “We asked the youths what they expect from the Haia while the Haia members were told to explain what they were expecting from the youths."

During the dialogue, the young Saudi men asked the Haia officials to understand modern developments and apply modern means and methodology in providing guidance and dealing with others.

The Haia officials urged the youths to respect them and not make any quick judgments about them in the light of some individual incidents.