MOI Holds Virtual Lecture on Enhancing Child Protection Using Modern Technologies
The Ministry of Interior’s Center for Child Protection organized a virtual lecture on enhancing child protection through modern technologies and their pivotal role in increasing the capabilities of workers and developing their skills in monitoring and protecting children. Specialist Shamma Al-Beloushi from the Center for Child Protection delivered the lecture, highlighting the Ministry of Interior’s pioneering efforts and experiences in using new technologies and applications to keep pace with technical advancements. She emphasized how these innovations enhance police work and achieve the main goals of protecting society, especially its younger members. Al-Beloushi pointed out that while technological advancements offer solutions and opportunities for learning, culture, and information acquisition, they also pose challenges, such as child exploitation and blackmail.
Therefore, it is crucial to adopt best practices based on advanced technologies to protect children and ensure a safe environment for their growth and development. She warned of the dangers of the internet, including inappropriate content, unsupervised communication, and uncontrolled behavior on social media.
Al-Beloushi stressed the importance of integrated efforts among relevant institutions, families, and educational environments to protect children in ways that match their evolving capabilities. Additionally, she highlighted the need to empower individuals who can provide support and protection for children and develop strategies for parents to positively intervene and enhance children's individuality without merely restricting their use of ICTs. The workshop provided a comprehensive explanation of children's health rights and the Center’s local and international efforts in child protection. It included guidelines and mechanisms for dealing with cases of abuse, neglect, and ways to report them through the Center’s smart system, such as the hotline (116111), email, the center’s website, and the Hemayati application.