CRA calls for digital awareness to protect children online
<p>Doha, Qatar: Parents and guardians have been urged to take an active role in protecting children from cyberbullying and promoting safe and responsible use of digital technology, as the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) joins the "Digitally Aware Family" campaign.</p> <p>In a social media post, the CRA stressed that early awareness and open communication can help protect children and…
Doha, Qatar - The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) is urging parents and guardians to take an active role in protecting children from cyberbullying and promoting responsible use of digital technology. The campaign, called "Digitally Aware Family," emphasizes that early awareness and open communication can help safeguard children in the digital world.
Cyberbullying, defined as using digital technology to harm, embarrass, or threaten others, can involve sharing harmful content, mocking, insulting, spreading rumors or misinformation, and sending hurtful or threatening messages. The CRA listed several ways children can be susceptible to cyberbullying, including receiving abusive or threatening messages, having embarrassing photos or videos shared without their consent, facing online mockery or insults, encountering false rumors about themselves, or having their accounts impersonated or misused.
To address this issue, the CRA encourages parents and guardians to listen calmly, believe and support their children without placing blame, and reassure them that cyberbullying is not their fault. They should also discourage children from responding to or retaliating against the bully, keep evidence of any harmful messages or screenshots, use blocking and reporting tools, and seek help when necessary.
The CRA highlighted the importance of the internet as a platform for learning, communication, and entertainment but cautioned that children may encounter offensive messages, fake links or prizes, age-inappropriate content, dangerous games or challenges, and fake images or videos created using artificial intelligence.
To ensure digital safety, parents and guardians are advised to support their children by encouraging ongoing dialogue, reminding them to avoid sharing personal information, warning them to steer clear of suspicious links, instructing them on how to block and report inappropriate content or users, and encouraging them to seek help when needed.
Adults are also urged to help children stay aware and safe by discussing the apps they use, adhering to family rules for internet use, choosing age-appropriate content, instructing children to inform a trusted adult if they face any problems, and safeguarding their privacy by avoiding the sharing of personal information.
Written by urgent.news from The Peninsula Qatar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
