A MAJORITY of the reports received by the Child Protection Cyberspace Unit (CPCU) have been from youngsters aged eight to 13, according to an official.
The Interior Ministry formed the unit earlier this year to implement the National Cybersecurity Strategy related to children’s protection.
The unit, which is affiliated with the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security, is tasked with protecting youngsters of all ages from any threats, blackmail and upsetting situations related to cybercrime.
“We receive reports from youngsters aged 15 and under,” said unit head Captain Fawaz Mohammed Ali.
“However, we have seen that since starting the unit, 70 per cent of the reports made are by children aged eight to 13.
“Our role is to protect the child and create a comfortable atmosphere to dispel his or her fear while filing the report. We want the child to feel at ease as he or she has already gone through a very upsetting situation that weighs heavily on their self-esteem.
“When a child falls victim to any threat or blackmail or even are told that images will be sent out of them, it really affects their entire being. The child is under immense pressure because he or she feels scared of the person threatening them, of telling their parents and even family members.
“This can cause a person in general going through this to feel depressed and anxious so imagine it happening to a child.”
Speaking on Good Morning Bahrain – Radio Bahrain 102.3 FM, Capt Ali said the unit ensures that when the victim arrives, the youngster is accompanied by his or her parents, and is in an environment that provides a sense of ease.
“We comfort and reassure the child that we will take care of him or her, especially whilst presenting the report as it can be a bit sensitive for the child to talk about,” continued Capt Ali.
“When we take the report, the office features comforting décor full of colours and anything that would put the victim at ease to help him or her share details to help us better understand what happened.”
Cybercrime and cyberbullying is a major concern in the kingdom with schools and entities such as the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) raising awareness on the matter over the years to help children protect themselves and have a better understanding on what to do under the circumstances.
Cybersecurity was also added to the Interior Ministry’s Anti Violence and Addiction Programme, or Ma’an (Together) last year, which covered more than 120,000 students of different age groups in more than 173 government and private schools.
The TRA also conducted a National Internet Safety Review last year and revealed that cyberbullying was a major threat to the health and well-being of children in Bahrain. It had surveyed almost 2,500 schoolchildren between the ages of 12 and 18 from around the country.
Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma had even shared that plans are underway to develop cyber education and teaching methods in schools and universities despite the challenges associated with open space.
Students in public schools are being taught special lessons on Internet safety, safe browsing and secure online payments.
Earlier this month, the GDN reported that 300 educators from private and public schools across Bahrain were trained as part of a massive campaign on cyberbullying.
The Online Safety Initiative, which was launched by the TRA, follows a successful cyber safety programme that was held last November. It encouraged responsible use of information and communications technology (ICT) among youngsters and adults.
The campaigns were held in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union’s global programme on online protection of children.
Those interested in filing a report can contact the hotline 992, email cpcu@interior.gov.bh or visit the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security in Adliya.
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