Abu Dhabi launches ‘Listen First’ campaign

Abu Dhabi: The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi (DCD) has launched, in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), an awareness campaign entitled “Listen First”, which aims to increase awareness among community members in general and families in particular of the need to listen to children from early childhood to age 18 as post-adolescence.

Many studies have shown that actively listening to children is one of the most protective factors against dangerous behaviours, most notably bullying, substance abuse, and violence. These studies emphasised the importance of parents listening in promoting the proper growth of children, refining their personalities, and enhancing their self-confidence, on how to nudge children to evade risky behaviours.

The first phase of the campaign includes the distribution of a set of educational publications, on the scientific fact sheets and educational videos display both cartoon figures and real life that portray children and caretakers. The publications also tackle the important role of parents in educating their children about the digital world and listening to their opinions, concerns and the challenges they face, in order to better protect them from online abuse and bullying.