‘Himaiyah’ initiative to protect children from cybercrime

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The “Himaiyah” initiative, meaning “protection” in Arabic, has been launched through the collaboration of several ministries and authorities to educate children and parents about the dangers of cyberspace, and to empower them to navigate the online world safely.

If you suspect your child has been targeted by cybercrime, please contact the Cyberspace Child Protection Unit at the General Directorate of Anti-Corruption and Economic and Electronic Security.

The unit is available via hotline at 992, email at cpcu@interior.gov, or by visiting their office in the Adliya area. By working together and taking proactive measures, the Kingdom can create a safer online environment for children and protect them from the threats posed by cybercrime.

The internet, a vast trove of knowledge and entertainment, also harbours dangers for children.

Exploitation and abuse Online platforms can turn into breeding grounds for exploitation and abuse, with predators employing increasingly sophisticated techniques to manipulate and harm young users.

These methods often involve threats and coercion, pressing children to reveal sensitive information, transfer money, or engage in harmful activities that bring distress to themselves and their families.

To address these risks, it is vital for both children and parents to remain vigilant and take proactive measures for protection.

Parents should regularly monitor their child’s online activity and maintain open communication about the potential dangers lurking in the digital realm.

Online behaviour Discussing appropriate online behaviour and stressing the importance of not sharing personal information with strangers is essential.

Parents should also urge children to avoid interactions with strangers on social media and ensure their profiles are set to private. Parental control apps can aid in keeping tabs on online activity and restricting access to inappropriate content.