Abu Dhabi: The UAE Cybersecurity Council has issued an urgent call to parents to protect children from online dangers as alarming statistics reveals that one in three children in the UAE has been contacted by strangers in the digital space. With cyberbullying and fraudulent schemes on the rise, the Council outlined critical measures to enhance children’s safety online.
Key recommendations include limiting app permissions, blocking suspicious contacts, setting screen time limits, and reviewing online interactions. Parents are also encouraged to educate their children about avoiding unsafe links and recognising potential threats.
The Council highlighted the growing risks posed by deepfake technology, which can deceive children into sharing personal information, leading to blackmail or family account breaches. To combat this, parents should teach children how to identify fake videos and scams.
The Abu Dhabi Police also emphasised the importance of guiding children on safe online practices, particularly during school holidays, urging parents to monitor screen time and promote offline activities. They warned against purchasing games from unreliable sources, which could result in fraud or unauthorised bank access.
Experts like Dr. Azizah Almaghyuli and Dr. Fatima Al Neyadi stressed the severe mental and emotional impact of cyberbullying, offering advice on building resilience, fostering communication, and using legal avenues to address incidents.
Authorities encourage reporting cybercrimes through the “AMAN” platform to ensure children’s safety remains a collective responsibility.
