Child Safety Organisation Strengthens Child Protection with New Initiative in Sharjah

Sharjah: The Child Safety Organisation (CSO) has launched the Ahl Al Athar initiative, a four-month program aimed at enhancing child safety and protection within schools. This initiative, which operates under the slogan “Awareness Creates Impact,” is designed to equip parents with essential knowledge and skills to foster a safer environment for children. The program specifically targets members of Parents’ Councils from Sharjah City and the Central and Eastern regions, selecting and training 15 participants through a structured curriculum focused on child safety.

Initiative Overview and Objectives

The Ahl Al Athar initiative was unveiled at an event attended by various partner organizations and members of Parents’ Councils. The program aims to establish a network of parent ambassadors who will collaborate with schools to raise awareness about child safety and protection. This initiative also seeks to enhance cooperation among families, educational institutions, and organizations dedicated to child protection.

Participants in the program will receive accredited training and practical tools to support awareness activities in their schools and communities. The effectiveness of the initiative will be assessed through a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework.

Collaborative Efforts and National Context

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with several organizations, including the Department of District Affairs, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), the UAE Cybersecurity Council, Emirates Health Services, and Sharjah Broadcasting Authority. This collaborative approach aligns with national efforts to improve online child protection, particularly following a recent UAE Cabinet decision that sets the minimum age for social media use at 15. The program aims to provide parents with the necessary awareness and tools to navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Hanadi Al Yafei, Director-General of Child Safety, emphasized the critical role parents play in recognizing changes in their children’s behavior and well-being. She stated that the initiative is designed to equip parents with practical tools to identify early warning signs, foster trust with their children, and effectively address the challenges posed by today’s digital and social environments.

Training and Development Focus

The initiative aims to transform awareness into actionable practices within families and school communities, thereby creating safer environments for children. Al Yafei noted that addressing contemporary challenges requires ongoing education and awareness from parents and caregivers while maintaining community values and national identity.

Manea Saeed Al Darmaki, Director of the Parents Councils Department, highlighted that the initiative offers structured training in child safety, communication skills, and awareness delivery. He expressed gratitude to CSO and its partners for recognizing the essential role parents play in the development and protection of children.

Maryam Al Abdouli, Initiatives and Activities Coordinator at CSO, pointed out that the initiative addresses a significant need identified among schools and families. She noted that many parents are eager to protect their children but require clear guidance and reliable information on child safety. The initiative aims to create a network of trained individuals within school communities who can effectively promote child safety.

Discussion Forum and Community Engagement

As part of the launch event, CSO organized a discussion titled “Ahl Al Athar: From Parents’ Values to Children’s Awareness,” featuring Ayesha Al Mulla and moderated by Ghaith Al Hosani. This session explored the importance of positive role models and national values in empowering younger generations and enhancing their protection in both social and digital contexts.

Al Mulla underscored the significance of dialogue and trust in parent-child relationships, especially in the current digital environment. She emphasized the necessity for parents to remain vigilant regarding their children’s online interactions while ensuring that discussions about safety are grounded in cultural values and ethics.

Training Curriculum and Application Process

The initiative combines knowledge development, train-the-trainer preparation, and school-based implementation to equip participants to deliver child safety awareness programs to parents and students. Training will encompass six key areas: digital safety, family communication, psychological and educational support, protection and psychological response, social values and positive habits, and responsible media engagement.

Applications for the program will be coordinated with Parents’ Councils and partner organizations. Candidates will be selected through an application and interview process based on established eligibility criteria. Participants are required to attend at least 80 percent of program sessions, complete assessments and practical assignments, and adhere to the program’s code of conduct and professional standards.

CSO has stated that the initiative’s impact will be evaluated based on participation rates, training outcomes, school-based awareness activities, and participant feedback. Through Ahl Al Athar, the organization aims to reinforce the role of parents in child protection, establish a community network that supports children’s safety and well-being, and enhance collaboration among families, schools, and relevant institutions.

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Published on 2026-06-24 21:54:00 • By the Editorial Desk