Better safe than sorry, Bahrain takes proactive steps against online predators

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Mohammed Darwish

Authorities in Bahrain have taken proactive measures to tackle the exploitation and extortion of children online, even though officials assert that it isn’t a widespread issue.

The national awareness initiative, Himaiyah (Arabic for protection), is a collaborative effort involving several ministries and authorities.

It seeks to inform children and parents about the dangers of cyberspace and empower them to navigate it safely. Nour Shehab, Chief of the Family and Child Prosecution, leads the campaign.

Knowledge and skills She stressed the significance of equipping children with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify and protect themselves from online threats.

She also pointed to Bahrain’s “important and enlightened legislations” regarding child protection and cybercrime.

Major Engineer Fawz Mohammad, who heads the Cyberspace Child Protection Unit at the Ministry of Interior, explained the unit’s mission to shield children from blackmail and cyber exploitation.

Parents’ role She noted the essential role parents play in reducing these risks and encourages them to report any incidents to the unit.

Fakhriya Shubbar of the Child Protection Center at the Ministry of Social Development detailed the efforts to enhance preventive measures.