UAE Cyber Security Council Organises Awareness Session On Cyber Addiction Risks For Families

The UAE Cyber Security Council, in partnership with MAJALIS Abu Dhabi under the Citizens and Community Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, recently hosted an awareness session titled "Cyber Addiction in Families." Held at Al Sarouj and Al Foa'a Majalis in Al Ain, the event attracted numerous citizens and experts in cybersecurity and education.

This initiative is part of a larger campaign to boost community awareness, aligning with the leadership's declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Community. The campaign seeks to improve public understanding of national issues and highlight risks linked to rapid technological growth.

Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, spoke about the psychological and physical dangers of excessive gaming addiction. He noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises gaming addiction as a disorder affecting children's and adolescents' mental health.

Dr. Al Kuwaiti detailed several risks tied to excessive gaming. These include psychological issues, health concerns, and exposure to harmful content that may encourage self-harm or suicide. He stressed the need for strict parental oversight.

He also addressed security concerns related to cyber addiction. Terrorist groups exploit online games to recruit children, lure them into dangerous conversations, implant extremist ideologies, and manipulate them psychologically, posing serious threats.

Families play a crucial role in shielding children from cyber addiction. Dr. Al Kuwaiti suggested strategies such as instilling religious and cultural values for safe internet use, setting clear rules on gaming hours, encouraging alternative activities, monitoring digital content for age-appropriateness, and fostering open family communication about digital experiences.

Community Engagement and Concerns

The session saw active participation from attendees who raised questions about cyber addiction's impact and cybersecurity threats in today's digital world. Dr. Al Kuwaiti addressed these concerns by highlighting the importance of community collaboration in protecting future generations from cyber risks.

The initiative underscores a commitment to raising awareness about cyber addiction's dangers while promoting safe internet practices among families. By engaging communities through informative sessions like this one, the UAE aims to safeguard its citizens against evolving digital threats.

With inputs from WAM