MoI Calls Upon the Public to Participate in the Safer Internet Day Activities

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates - Tuesday, February 10th 2015 [ME NewsWire]

The Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Center lauded the campaign organized by the Khalifa Student Empowerment Program, Aqdar, to mark the 12th edition of the Safer Internet Day, held under the theme “Lets Create a Better Internet Together” from 10 to 14 February. The campaign, which features the participation of more than 35 ministries and federal, local and private entities, aims at raising awareness of community members about  the dangers of the Internet, acquainting them with the proper methods for safe internet use,  and strengthening moral values and positive behaviors for safe use of the Internet.

Major Dr. Mohammed Khalifa Al Ali, Director of the Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Centre, stressed the importance of parents’ interaction and their participation in the festivities organized by the UAE to mark the Safer Internet Day celebrated around the world. Major Al Ali also urged parents to avail of the awareness booklets that provide tips about optimal methods to use the Internet designed to enhance their awareness on the appropriate ways to protect their children against risks.

Adding further, he said: “Despite all the advantages that it has brought about, the internet is a world without boundaries, and poses serious risks to children. It can be used to put children at risk of immoral child abuse and exploitation by vile individuals. It also allows children to access inappropriate websites and content, violent scenes or other serious behaviors.”

Major Al Ali continued: “There are a lot of vulnerable children who talk to strangers in chat rooms. These strangers may try to befriend children in order to seek face-to-face meetings with them or collect photos, information or personal details about them.” Furthermore, the Director of the Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Centre urged parents to be cautious and to prevent their children from falling prey to internet dangers, as they may not always be aware of the challenges and risks they face online.

The festivities program will feature several events, such as promoting the campaign via social networking sites, #Hashtags on Twitter and Whatsapp, as well as a special episode in the program “To whom it may concern” via Noor Dubai Radio to discuss the campaign. Moreover, various Media outlets will be invited to take part in the campaign. The Ministry of Interior will offer the opportunity to register for the HEMAYATI Application, in addition to organizing various events in many smart schools and launching the CYBER C3 Competition in schools across the country. Other outreach activities and programs are scheduled to take place at Kidzania Center in Dubai Mall and across the country.

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The Arabic-language text of this announcement is the official, authoritative version. Translations are provided as an accommodation only, and should be cross-referenced with the Arabic-language text, which is the only version of the text intended to have legal effect.

Contacts

The UAE Minister of Interior's General Secretariat, Tactical Affairs and Security Media Department

Abu Dhabi Police GHQ - Security Media

Chris Cron +971-(0)-50-987-1317

E-mail: cron.media@hotmail.com