Bahrain provides one of the safest environments for children online, officials have told a Gulf forum on cyber security.
The conference, titled ‘Protecting Our Children in the Digital World’, aimed at discussing ways to safeguard the rights and well-being of young people in cyber space, brought together tech experts from each Gulf state to share experiences, expertise and knowledge on the issue.
Organised by the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Ministers of Social Affairs in the GCC States, the event was held at Wyndham Grand Manama yesterday.
“Bahrain is ahead of most countries when it comes to protecting children,” said Executive Bureau strategic planning and communication director Jasim Alhamrani.
“Looking at children’s rights indicators, Bahrain is in the ‘green zone’ in worldwide rankings,” he added.
Bahrain was placed 29th in the KidsRights Index 2024 which measures health, education and child rights.
The forum was inaugurated by Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi, beginning the event by acknowledging how the worldwide digital transformation has ‘fundamentally changed how children live their lives’.
“Although the Internet is a great learning tool for children, its widescale adoption is accompanied by many, ever-intensifying challenges that threaten their privacy along with their mental and physical well-being,” he added.
“There is an acute need to adopt a unified GCC framework to protect children in cyber space to preserve the innocence of young people and ensure a safe and enriching online experience.
“There will be an integration and co-ordination of efforts between governments, educational institutions, families, tech companies and civil societies.
Mr Al Alawi listed Bahrain’s ongoing initiatives in this arena, chiefly the recently-launched ‘Himaya’, or the National Awareness Campaign for Protecting Children from Online Exploitation and Blackmail.
He highlighted the ministry’s Child Protection Centre, and the Child Helpline which operates round-the-clock to receive reports and provide mental and social counselling at 998.
The minister further mentioned the National Commission for Childhood which brings together representatives from various government bodies and civil societies, aiming to unite efforts and oversees the execution of policies and programmes.
He also listed the National Strategic Workplan for Childhood, focusing on the development of children’s quality of life when it comes to healthcare, education and active participation in society.
Meanwhile, Interior Ministry Assistant Chief of Public Security for Community Affairs Brigadier Ammar Mustafa Al Sayed told the GDN about the dangers that children face, and what we can do about it.
“Every country has its own experience with this; we can exchange our expertise to come out with recommendations that can improve child protection policies,” he stated.
“The Interior Ministry cares about the cyber space, and on that basis, has established specialised directorates in the ministry to safeguard children.
“The threats that children face are great. As long as children have access to the cyber space, Internet and smart devices, there will be a danger, so we must help them to develop their ability to protect themselves.”
zainab@gdnmedia.bh
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