Parents have been urged to avoid buying gifts that could pose a risk of injury to their children.
Hidd Police Station head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar said it is important to choose gifts that help boost children’s self-esteem and teach them the values of reward and generosity, rather than purchasing items simply because they are currently popular or trending.
“There is no doubt that the best advice for parents is to give their children gifts, as gifts foster a sense of belonging, love, and family security,” said Col Dr Bahar, while speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman social media programme yesterday.
“It instills pride in the child, pride in the gift itself and in the person who gave it.
“Indeed, a child feels proud to say, ‘This gift is from my dad’ or ‘This is from my mum.’
“Parents often reward their children for positive behaviour, such as achieving excellent grades, being helpful and polite to guests, or showing respect to others. In such cases, getting them a gift is appropriate.
“However, the gift must come with conditions. If you buy them a tablet, such as an iPad, you must set specific limits on usage time and the types of games they can play.
“The same applies to a PlayStation: limit the playing time and ensure the games are free from violence or inappropriate content.
“The goal is for the gift to benefit children – not harm them.”
Col Dr Bahar cited the example of gifting a child an e-scooter, warning that it could lead to injury.
“As a parent, the first thing you should do is limit its speed. You must also insist that they ride it only in designated areas, remain within the neighbourhood, wear safety gear and keep the scooter’s lights on.
“Otherwise, your gift could cause serious harm.
“Avoid any gift that causes a child to withdraw from, or isolate themselves from the family. Likewise, avoid gifts that encourage aggressive behaviour or pose a risk of injury.
“By all means, give plenty of gifts, but always set your conditions.”
The GDN reported earlier this month that children under 16 were banned from riding e-bikes, while those under seven may only use e-scooters under adult supervision.
The General Directorate of Traffic announced that allowing an underage person to use either vehicle without supervision would be treated in the same manner as permitting an unlicensed person to drive a vehicle.
Legal responsibility rests with the child’s parent or guardian, the Interior Ministry said, stressing the need to comply with regulations and safety requirements to reduce accidents and injuries.
The directorate warned that the risk of accidents increases on highways, in vehicle lanes, on pavements, and at intersections and road entrances. It reiterated that e-bikes and e-scooters should only be used on permitted roads.
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