MUSCAT: The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), through its Department of Juvenile Affairs, concluded its participation in the 'First Child and Family' Forum on Sunday. The event, held from December 9 to December 22, aimed to spotlight juvenile issues and promote awareness about the Juvenile Accountability Law among society members.
Organised by the Capital Center for International Exhibition Management at 'The Village', the forum provided an educational and recreational platform for children and families. It aimed to enhance awareness of the importance of childhood, foster family interaction, and instil cultural and national values in children, while emphasising children’s rights.
Nismah al Hadidi, a representative from the Department of Juvenile Affairs, explained the forum's significance: “The challenges children face today, in the era of globalisation and modern technologies, are far more complex than before. Forums like this are essential for educating families and children about the dangers of misusing technology, such as cyberbullying, electronic blackmail, data fraud and exposure to harmful content. They also offer solutions to help children navigate these issues safely.”
Al Hadidi emphasised the importance of equipping children with modern, innovative strategies to address these challenges in a way that is both engaging and effective. Key solutions include parental controls, monitoring children’s online activities and reporting suspicious interactions or websites to authorities.
As part of its participation, the Ministry introduced a booklet titled 'Let's Raise Our Awareness', combining entertainment and education to familiarise children with the Juvenile Accountability Law. Through stories and interactive characters, such as Saleh and Saleha, the booklet tackles issues like avoiding interaction with strangers, protecting personal information on social media and steering clear of negative influences.
The forum underscored the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a safer and more informed environment for children and families in Oman, addressing modern challenges while promoting awareness and resilience in the face of juvenile issues.
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