Parents urged to monitor kids' online activities amid drug threats
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Police has warned of hidden threats that children may encounter on social media platforms, messaging apps, and online games, foremost among them being drug promotion. The authority urged parents to monitor their children’s digital activities calmly and without intimidation, to engage them in open and honest conversations about online dangers, and to review the applications and games they interact with guiding them toward safe and suitable options.
The police affirmed their continued efforts in awareness and security education, especially in familiarizing families and community members with the dangers of drugs, their harmful effects, and prevention methods. These efforts are implemented through year-round plans, programs, and educational campaigns.
Recent drug seizures have revealed that trafficking gangs continually innovate methods of smuggling and concealing narcotics, including exploiting social media networks for drug promotion. In earlier operations, Abu Dhabi Police working with partners dismantled organised drug-dealing networks operating in various emirates. The suspects were found in possession of narcotics in several cross-border cases. Anti-narcotics officers detected a phenomenon of mass-messaging via certain social media platforms, containing images, videos, and voice recordings promoting drugs and claiming the ability to deliver them anywhere in the UAE.
Cases also showed that gang leaders used international phone numbers to broadcast random advertisements for drugs. However, the Anti-Narcotics Directorate successfully intercepted the dealers as they attempted to place drugs in multiple 'drop-off' locations for buyers. Abu Dhabi Police delivered a decisive blow to these networks, apprehending the traffickers red-handed and referring them to judicial authorities.
The police stressed the importance of joint efforts by all relevant institutions to raise community awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking, and to report suspicious cases via the “Aman” hotline at 8002626.
Abu Dhabi Police urged parents to protect their children from strangers especially during summer holidays, who may exploit this time to promote drugs. They advised children not to play or converse with strangers and to refuse gifts or sweets from unknown individuals, while encouraging parents to monitor their children’s friendships and guide them toward safe, beneficial activities.
Families were also urged to check unknown messages sent to their children from international numbers and to report them via the 'Aman' service. The police emphasised the family’s role as the first line of defense against drugs, encouraging positive communication with children, shielding them from negative influences, and using free time productively to build their skills, confidence, and sense of responsibility.
Nationwide police campaigns have also warned parents of anonymous messages on social media promoting drugs, advising the public to avoid interacting with such messages and to report them to the authorities.
Legal and social experts have warned about the phenomenon of "hidden family disintegration, stressing that the absence of meaningful dialogue and the family’s preoccupation with smartphones and social media can make children vulnerable to online targeting and luring by drug traffickers, ultimately leading them toward addiction.
The Monitoring and Intelligence Division at Abu Dhabi Police’s Anti-Narcotics Directorate noted this emerging family issue, highlighting that drug abuse cases have revealed numerous causes, including the preoccupation of parents and children with smartphones, lack of collective family interaction, and absence of dialogue at home what they term “hidden family disintegration.”
The police called for strengthening family dialogue to guide children toward the right path in life, help them address challenges, and raise awareness about the dangers of drugs.
They also pointed out that Article 89 of the Federal Law on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances protects anyone who seeks treatment meaning no legal action or criminal case will be taken against a person who voluntarily undergoes treatment at an accredited rehabilitation center, whether on their own initiative or through a family member (up to second degree) or spouse, provided they adhere to the prescribed treatment plan.
Abu Dhabi Police stressed the importance of early detection, noting that parents may suspect drug use if they find drug paraphernalia in their child’s room, such as syringes or burnt spoons. Families should remain alert to such signs.
Physical symptoms of drug abuse can include pale complexion, dark circles under the eyes, needle marks on arms, neglect of school or work, nervousness, and mood swings. Symptoms vary depending on the drug type, with some substances posing fatal risks in cases of overdose.
The police outlined their clear anti-drug strategy, which has two main pillars:
1. Reducing supply – through investigations, seizures, pursuing traffickers, and bringing them to justice.
2. Reducing demand – by raising awareness and educating the public about the various dangers of drugs.
They also launched the 'Bader' awareness bus, equipped with educational materials about drug hazards, which tours residential areas, schools, and community events across Abu Dhabi.
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