MP proposes media and law classes in schools

TDT | Manama

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A proposal to teach Media and Law in Bahrain’s intermediate and secondary schools has been put forward in Parliament, driven by concerns over cybercrime, fake news and the influence of social media.

MP Jalal Kadhem, who submitted the measure, said the aim was to give pupils a better grasp of the country’s legal framework and the growing reach of digital media.

As students are increasingly exposed to online content, he argued, schools must equip them with the tools to understand how the media operates and how the law applies to everyday life.

Basic principles

“Every student must be aware of the basic principles of the law in the Kingdom and its importance in daily life,” he said.

He pointed to Article 7 of Bahrain’s Constitution, which states that the government must support science, education and culture, and ensure that schooling strengthens personal character and pride in Arab identity.

On that basis, the proposal calls for the creation of two new subject areas to be introduced across the intermediate and secondary levels.

Influence

Kadhem said that as online platforms grow in influence, media education is becoming as necessary as maths or science.

Without it, he warned, young people remain unprepared to spot misinformation or avoid legal trouble in digital spaces.

“Media plays an important role in shaping public awareness and influencing individual decisions,” he said. “That’s why I believe Media must be introduced as a subject to be taught at both intermediate and secondary school levels.”