Jawaher Al Qasimi Opens Third Child Safety Forum To Address Modern Child Protection Challenges

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, attended the launch of the Third Edition of the Child Safety Forum 2025. The event, themed "Protect Their Innocence," was held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. It attracted leaders from family and childhood organisations, experts in psychology, education, digital protection, and representatives from social and educational sectors.

The Forum emphasises Sharjah’s proactive stance on child advocacy and its comprehensive social protection system. It aims to anticipate future challenges in child protection amidst rapid social and digital changes globally. This initiative is part of a broader vision to create an integrated family system where families are central to societal development policies.

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Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher stated: "Child protection is not a matter of social choice, but a trust, a profound moral commitment and a duty that transcends all other considerations. I advise every mother and father to spend quality time with their children; listen to their feelings, engage with their world, reassure them, speak with them, advise them, and guide them. Your close presence instils self-confidence and fosters their inner security, empowering them to deal with the world without fear or confusion."

She added that prevention starts within the family. Parents should be a constant source of support for their children. This presence helps build children's safety and future by being attentive to what they cannot express verbally.

Hanadi Al Yafei, Director General of Child Safety, highlighted that Sharjah's approach stems from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi’s vision. The challenges faced by children today differ greatly from those encountered by previous generations due to unrestricted digital access introducing new ideas.

Al Yafei noted that child protection involves addressing influences within a child's personal space. Modern parenting requires greater awareness to understand unspoken emotions. Under Sheikha Jawaher's leadership, Child Safety has evolved into an institutional model promoting awareness across Sharjah and the UAE.

Expert Insights on Child Protection

The Forum's inaugural session titled "The world is seeping into our homes... Who is educating our children?" featured several experts including Dr. Mohammed Al Kaabi who stressed legislation’s role in safeguarding children's rights to love and care.

Dr. Hind Al Badwawi discussed nurturing conscience before behaviour so children choose right actions out of conviction rather than fear. Moza Al Shoomi emphasised equipping children with skills for navigating the digital world while activating family laws against neglect.

Addressing Societal Fears

The second session focused on how societal judgment can prevent children from speaking about stress or abuse they face. It highlighted creating safe environments encouraging expression while reducing stigma around behavioural challenges.

The third session explored fathers’ roles across generations in shaping character through emotional security and trust-building strategies bridging digital divides between fathers and children.

This edition reinforces Sharjah as a leader in advancing child protection systems by fostering synergy between families and community institutions addressing contemporary challenges ensuring children's innocence remains protected within safe environments supporting their well-being developmentally.

With inputs from WAM