Spate of events to mark Universal Children's Day

Marking the Universal Children's Day, a host of events to spread awareness on the issues faced by children will be held today in the Kingdom.

Child protection societies took the initiative of organising events to mark the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse yesterday and will celebrate the Universal Children's Day today.

Universal Children's Day is celebrated every year on November 20 since 1954 when the UN General Assembly recommend all member countries to institute a day to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children.

Rana Alsairafi, who represents BeFree Centre said that in their event today, the main focus would be on raising awareness about the effects of bullying. "The event that Be-Free conducted on Thursday to mark “International Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse”, and today to celebrate “Universal Children’s Day” aims at raising awareness about the effects of Bullying, which is the theme of this year. It also aims to train children on the concepts and skills of being a source of goodness to others.”

She stressed that with the advent of new sophisticated technologies, children were faced with more challenges. "Children today face more challenges. Advanced technologies make them exposed to the world and connected with people they do not know.

Also children are facing new concepts that are inaccurate, confusing and false through different channels, be it from TV or social media. It affects the way they view and live their lives and build their future.” “False concepts such as “happiness is to have more of toys, or money”, “Competition is to be better than others”, or confusing strength with bullying, have a tremendous negative effects on children. It is important that the different sectors of the society work together to raise awareness to protect children and teenagers from these challenges,” she pointed out.

Bahraini Society for Child Development confirmed that they had also organised events to mark the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse yesterday. It will celebrate the Universal Children's Day today.

The society called upon the community to contribute in safeguarding children's rights. A series of invited-only events are being organised at Al Areen Park, Lost Paradise, Adhari Park and Magic Planet by Gulf International Conferences Organizing Company in collaboration with Mother and Child Welfare Society.

The organisers stressed that it wants to use the events to "promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the children."