Jawaher Al Qasimi launches third edition of Child Safety Forum

The forum underscores Sharjah's dedication to addressing childhood issues and bolstering the social protection framework. It serves as a prominent platform for dialogue, helping shape the future of child protection amid the swift changes driven by the digital and social landscape, while steering the development of effective policies and solutions to enhance children's safety and psychological and emotional well-being. This initiative aligns with His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah's vision of fostering an integrated family system, where the family serves as the foundation of society and is a key priority in the emirate's development policies, grounded in the principles of social cohesion and community responsibility. The ultimate goal is to raise healthy children who thrive both physically and psychologically within strong families that can nurture and guide them.

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher emphasized that protecting children is not merely a social choice, but a profound trust, a moral duty, and an obligation that surpasses all other concerns. Her Highness urges every parent to dedicate quality time to their children—listen to their feelings, engage with their world, check in on them, converse with them, guide them, and offer advice. The presence fosters a child's self-confidence and inner security, empowering them to navigate their surroundings without fear or confusion.

Her Highness further stated, “We believe that prevention starts within the family; your connection with your children is the most profound and genuine form of protection. Be the support they rely on and the eyes that perceive what they cannot articulate. Every moment spent together is an investment in their well-being and future.”

Reflecting on the vision of the Emirate of Sharjah to enhance its status as a safe and inclusive environment, Her Highness noted that the announcement by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, regarding the official designation of the Emirate as a child- and family-friendly city marks a significant milestone. This announcement is a natural progression of the Emirate's long-standing commitment, dating back to the 1950s, to establish a social framework that supports families and cultivates a society where the welfare of children and family is at the core of its development plans.

In her opening remarks, Hanadi Al Yafei, Director General of Child Safety Department, affirmed that Sharjah's vision for child protection stems from a clear philosophy established by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and further strengthened by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher, through her efforts and initiatives supporting families. Al Yafei pointed out that the challenges children face today are radically different from those experienced by previous generations, as the digital world now infiltrates their rooms without barriers, bringing with it ideas and behaviors that may not align with family and societal values.

She explained that the responsibility for protecting children is no longer limited to what happens outside the home, but extends to what they encounter within their own environment. She emphasized that parenting requires a greater presence from parents and an awareness that enables them to understand the feelings that children are unable to express verbally. Al Yafai explained that the foundation, under the guidance of the Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, has transformed from an awareness initiative into a leading institutional model in child protection, which promotes thought, awareness, and protection in Sharjah and the country.

Her Highness and the attendees witnessed the opening session of the forum, entitled "The World Infiltrates Our Homes... Who Raises Our Children?" Speakers included Dr Mohammed Al Kaabi, Head of the Sharjah Judicial Department; Dr Hind Al Badawi, Psychological Consultant and Child Protection Specialist at the Family and Child Prosecution Office in the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department; Mouza Al Shumi, Vice President of the Emirates Child Protection Association; and Dr Khalil Al Ziyoud, Family Consultant. Lawyer Ahmed Al Zarouni moderated the discussion.

The speakers shared their expertise in education, behavioral sciences, and child protection. Dr Mohammed Al Kaabi emphasized that child protection encompasses children's rights to love, nurturing, and respect, in addition to physical care. He also highlighted the role of legislation in safeguarding these rights and the importance of family cooperation with relevant authorities to ensure children's safety and psychological well-being.

For her part, Dr Hind Al Badawi focused on the concept of "cultivating conscience before behavior," emphasizing that children do what is right because they believe it is, not out of fear of supervision. She called for building a secure relationship, naming feelings, providing a consistent role model, and using language that encourages reflection and improvement rather than punishment, given the direct impact of everyday words on brain development and the formation of a child's inner voice.

As for Moza Al Shoumi, she affirmed that the family remains the primary source of emotional security, belonging, and respect. She pointed to the importance of equipping children with the skills to navigate the digital world and enforcing family rules that prevent neglect and harmful behaviors.

Dr Khalil Al Zayoud explained that the family's role today is no longer to protect the child from the outside world, but rather to prepare them to deal with it through "psychological resilience" built on consistency between parents, dialogue, affection, and clear household rules. He emphasized the importance of screen awareness and respect for physical privacy.

The second session, titled "Fear of Society: How Silence Becomes an Enemy," addressed how fear of others' judgment can prevent a child from expressing the pressures or abuse they experience. The session stressed the importance of providing a safe family environment that encourages children to talk, boosts their self-confidence, and gives them space to express themselves without hesitation. It also highlighted the role of society in reducing the stigma associated with behavioral and psychological problems in children.

The third session, titled “Parents Making a Difference Across Generations,” focused on the pivotal role of fathers in shaping a child’s personality across generations and the impact of parental presence on building emotional security and confidence in children. It also addressed the importance of role models in daily behavior, the balance between firmness and compassion, and the role of family communication in strengthening bonds and building a stable environment. The session discussed how to bridge the digital divide between parents and children to ensure a better understanding of the world in which the child lives.

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher also reviewed the activities accompanying the forum, most notably the “Emotions Room,” which aims to provide attendees with a sensory experience that simulates a child’s inner world through audio and interactive scenarios demonstrating the impact of love and nurturing, as well as the effects of abuse or neglect. This allows attendees to experience what a child might feel in different situations and to grasp the magnitude of the psychological impact that a child might not be able to express. In addition to the “Law Platform,” which reviews national legislation related to children’s rights and protection, the forum allows attendees to submit legal proposals they deem necessary to strengthen the protection system. This initiative aims to engage the community in shaping a safer future for children.

The forum coincides with the UAE’s designation of 2026 as the “Year of the Family,” reflecting a strategic approach that places the family at the heart of the development process and emphasizes that child protection begins at home with the daily relationship between parents and their children. The forum provides an opportunity to reinforce this shift by outlining the family's future role in child protection and offering recommendations to support policies and initiatives focused on child safety.

In its third edition, the forum reaffirms Sharjah’s position as a leading platform for developing the child protection system and its role in fostering integration between families and community institutions. It also presents a comprehensive model for addressing the modern challenges facing children, safeguarding their innocence and preserving their right to a safe environment that ensures their well-being and balanced development.