Online security begins at home: UAE project ropes in both parents and kids

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Online security begins at home: UAE project ropes in both parents and kids

Dubai - Over 2,000 students and their parents took part in nine interactive training camps.

By Saman Haziq

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Published: Sat 31 Aug 2019, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Sun 1 Sep 2019, 11:40 AM

Imagine classrooms where parents and children together learn about Internet safety. It's happening in the UAE as the government believes online security begins at home.
Both parents and kids are being given the tools to deal with threats on the Net through innovative interactive workshops across the country ahead of the school year. The National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing held workshops for children and parents with support from the Ministry of Interior recently.
They were schooled on issues like online bullying, digital foot-print, digital ethics, online time management, exposure to inappropriate content, social media and digital privacy. They were also taught about digital safety protection laws in the UAE.
Over 2,000 students (in the age group of 5-18 years) and their parents took part in nine interactive training camps. The project was part of the child digital safety initiative that was launched on UAE Children's Day this year.
Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, said: "The UAE government is committed to maintaining family stability and social cohesion, and children are at the top of its agenda. Their safety is key to promoting overall wellbeing in the UAE, maintaining social stability, empowering positive and active citizens, and raising generations with a firm grasp of the digital world."
Ohoud bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing, said online safety is vital and both parents and kids need to be aware of threats.
Jameela bint Salem Mesbeh Al Muhairi, Minister of State for Public Education, said the camps had helped improve digital safety awareness.
Telecom firms' responsibility
The Wadeema Law states: "Telecommunications companies and Internet service providers shall notify competent authorities ... of any child pornography materials being circulated through social media and on the Internet, and shall provide necessary information on the persons or sites that circulate such material or intend to mislead the children.
saman@khaleejtimes.com


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