Vulnerable Youth at Risk: Guidance for UAE Parents on Preventing Online Exploitation for Youngsters Age 8-16
In the digital age, ensuring the safety of children online has become a paramount concern for parents and educators in the UAE. A mother of six, Um Kulthum, teaches her children to express themselves and talk about anything that bothers them, emphasizing the importance of open communication.
According to Dr Riad Khudair, a consultant psychiatrist at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah, younger children between the ages of 8 and 12 may not fully understand manipulation or deception when someone introduces themselves online as a friend. This makes them easy targets for strangers who appear to listen, care, or connect with them.
Asmahan Saleh Khalil, an assistant professor at Zayed University and a child psychologist at the Free Spirit group, stresses the need for children to recognize danger signs in online behavior, understand the risks and benefits, and know how to respond to unsafe stimuli. This, she says, is an acquired skill.
Dr Shaju George, another expert in the field, recommends integrating digital safety and media literacy into school curricula, organizing workshops for students, teachers, and parents on cyberbullying, online grooming, and safe internet use. He also emphasizes the need for clear and reliable reporting mechanisms when children encounter online threats.
Parents today have access to a wide range of tools, from safer online platforms and protection apps to devices designed to safeguard children. Khalil suggests co-playing and co-viewing with children, learning how to use app and device settings to block strangers and filter unsafe content, and building a safe space at home where children feel comfortable reporting online harassment.
Um Kulthum controls the apps her children have access to and uses device settings to manage screen time, gradually increasing the amount of time her children can use the iPad each year to prevent addiction. She also believes in not completely depriving children of technology; instead, guidance and balance is preferred.
Society and organizations play a crucial role in developing safer platforms and increasing the visibility of child-protection resources. Organizations helping to protect children from online exploitation in the UAE include the Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC), the UAE's Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), and international groups like ECPAT.
Experts recommend the STOP method for children to act quickly when encountering online threats: Stop replying, take screenshots, obtain help, protect & report. A previous Khaleej Times report also highlighted that parents keep their children digitally safe by building trust with their children from a young age, setting clear boundaries, and monitoring their online activity.
This week, eight people were convicted in Abu Dhabi for online child sexual exploitation after investigations revealed they were luring minors into sharing pornographic material through social media platforms and video games. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of taking online safety seriously.
By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, parents and educators in the UAE can help ensure a safer online environment for the future generation.
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