JUMA AL NUAIMI (ABU DHABI)
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) Child Protection Centre has called on parents and families to create a safer environment for their children as part of its ongoing “For a Safe Summer Together” campaign. The initiative emphasises the continuous monitoring of children’s Internet, social media, and electronic game usage, alongside providing support and education on digital safety measures.
The MoI highlights the critical need to protect children from cybercrimes such as blackmail, bullying, threats, and the dangers of sharing personal data and photos online. The ministry stressed the importance of shielding children from threats, as well as from harassment and unethical activities.
Criminal networks may exploit children to promote drugs through random messages on social media platforms containing images, videos, and audio messages related to drug promotion.
Additionally, the ministry urged parents against allowing their children to subscribe to or purchase electronic games from suspicious and unsafe websites. To maintain confidentiality, parents should avoid disclosing credit card details and only use trusted sites with secure transaction protocols. Using a bank card with a limited balance can help prevent fraud and hacking, avoiding unauthorised monthly deductions. Parents are also urged to refrain from engaging with enticing links and untrustworthy online stores that could lead to scams and financial theft.
The MoI underscored the importance of vigilance and thorough research when dealing with websites offering electronic games, which often attract young children and teenagers. These sites can drain significant amounts of money to progress through game levels, creating financial pressure and risks for parents, especially regarding unauthorised access to bank card information.
To report incidents involving children, the MoI provides several channels: a hotline (116111), online reporting through the Child Protection Centre website (www.moi-cpc.gov.ae), email (116111@moi.gov.ae), the Hemayati app, and calling (999) for emergencies