Abu dhabi: Under the slogan ‘Safe Internet for Our Children’, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, in cooperation with the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood of the United Arab Emirates, the Arab Council for Childhood and Development, and UNICEF’s Regional Office, has launched a significant campaign focused on ‘Protecting Children on Social Media’. This initiative marks the second phase of efforts to safeguard young internet users.

According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement took place during the 29th session of the Arab Childhood Committee. This session, chaired by the Republic of Djibouti via videoconference, saw participation from national mechanisms concerned with childhood across Arab countries, alongside representatives from civil society, and regional and international organisations.

Reem bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, highlighted the influence of social media platforms on children’s upbringing, values, and behavior. She emphasized the importance of continuous efforts to monitor online content and safeguard children from harmful ideas and exploitation. Al Falasi noted the challenge of preventing access to digital content altogether and stressed the need for mechanisms that guide and regulate children’s internet use.

Al Falasi also pointed out the serious risks posed by the internet, particularly social media, to children and adolescents. These risks include exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online fraud, and exploitation. Furthermore, concerns were raised about excessive screen time leading to addiction and mental health issues. She commended the campaign’s innovative awareness materials designed to enhance children’s resilience in the digital world.

The campaign features an animated video series for children titled ‘Alpha and Zain’, produced in multiple languages. This series, comprising five episodes, addresses responsible internet use, digital ethics, cyberbullying, social media addiction, and misinformation. It is a continuation of the ‘Safe Internet for Our Children’ initiative, first launched in 2021, aiming to educate children and parents on safe internet practices.

This initiative, aligned with the recommendations of the Arab Childhood Committee, represents a coordinated effort to protect children’s rights in the digital sphere and promote safer technology use across the Arab region.