Cybercrime alert: Dubai Police share tips for parents to combat online predators

Cybercrime alert: Dubai Police urge parental supervision as kids play online games

With kids glued to screens this summer, authorities urge vigilant parental oversight to combat online predators

Dubai: As summer vacation sets in and screen time surges, the Dubai Police’s Cybercrime Department is sounding the alarm for parents: electronic games could be a gateway to cybercrime if left unchecked.

The department, operating under the General Department of Criminal Investigation, is urging families to play a more active role in supervising children’s gaming habits, especially during the long holiday months. They warn that online games, many of which include chat features and social elements, can expose young players to serious risks including cyberbullying, extortion, fraud, and inappropriate contact with strangers.

“Parental oversight is the first and most important line of defence. Children are more vulnerable during school breaks, when they spend extended hours online. It’s vital that families stay engaged and informed,” a Cybercrime Department official said.

Safety tips for parents

Avoid stranger interaction: Teach kids to never engage with strangers through in-game messaging or chat features.

Monitor game content: Ensure the games your children play are age-appropriate and free from harmful or violent content.

Enable parental controls: Use built-in safety features to restrict access, limit gaming hours, and filter communication options.

Set boundaries: Establish healthy screen-time limits and promote alternative educational or physical activities.

Guard personal info: Instruct children never to share personal data, photos, or location information within games.

Inappropriate games

Authorities said that inappropriate game content and the anonymity of online interactions can make children easy targets for predators or scammers. They also highlighted the psychological impact of excessive gaming, linking it to issues like addiction and social withdrawal.

In the event of any suspicious activity or cybercrime incidents linked to gaming platforms, parents and guardians are encouraged to report them through multiple channels: the Dubai Police’s “e-Crime” platform, by calling 901, or using the Dubai Police app or official website.

How to seek help

To support parents and community members, Dubai Police has also launched a bilingual educational platform ‘ecrimehub.gov.ae/ar’ which provides vital information on cybercrime prevention, scam awareness, and digital safety practices. The platform is tailored for all age groups, including children, parents, business owners, employees, and internet users across the board.