Parents get tips on protecting kids online

Dubai - The workshops addressed dangers like cyber-blackmail, cyber-deception, cyber-stalking and the mistakes that can lead to hacking of data

The Child Safety Campaign, an initiative of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has organised two awareness workshops in Sharjah to advise parents on how they can protect their children from the negative aspects of smart device usage. The workshops took place in Kalba and Khor Fakkan Children's Centres, in conjunction with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). They were taught how to spot the dangers of online browsing, in relation with their kids, including mistakes made by children which often opens them up to hacking.
Titled 'How to protect your children against the dangers of smart devices,' the workshops formed part of the third edition of the Child Safety Campaign, which is being held under the theme 'Child safety in cyberspace.'
Hanadi Saleh Al Yafei, department director at Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and head of the organising committee of the Child Safety Campaign, said: "We organised these workshops in alignment with our dedication to achieving the objectives of the third phase of the Child Safety Campaign and to spread its message across Sharjah. The sessions educate parents on the risks their children can face when they use smart devices and social media, particularly, in the instances of a lack of proper instruction and guidance."
Facilitating the workshops was Abdulaziz Al Zarooni from TRA, who addressed the dangers that children and youth face while browsing the internet, including cyber-blackmail, cyber-deception, cyber-stalking and the mistakes that can lead to the hacking of data through their smart devices. The sessions also educated parents on the methods and techniques that can be used to encounter these risks, as well as protect smart devices.
The third edition of the Child Safety Campaign has a special focus on cyber-security for children in view of the proliferation of potentially dangerous websites which can readily be accessed by children."Throughout our campaign we aim to solidify partnerships with different community organisations and entities, such as Sharjah Children Centres, to expand our reach to all target groups and spread our message that highlights the importance of protecting and safeguarding children against any form of hazard and harm," added Al Yafei.
The Child Safety Campaign was launched under the directives of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. It seeks to promote awareness about children's safety, protection and social stability in order to ensure that children are physically and psychologically healthy in a stable, family environment.
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