Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Interior’s Child Protection Centre (CPC), in cooperation with the ICDL GCC Foundation, has distributed a free cyber safety pocket guide to students across the UAE.
The handbook contains 101 tips on internet etiquette and the responsible use of various social media websites and smart technologies.
Major General Nasser Lakhraibani Al Nuaimi, secretary general of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Child Protection, said: “The welfare of children has always been of paramount importance to the Ministry of Interior, which strives to support local and international efforts to protect children from various forms of abuse.”
Al Nuaimi added that it was the focus of Lt Gen Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, to make the UAE “a beacon of civilisation and elevate its status as a role model in the region in protecting the rights and well-being of children and society through effective preventive and precautionary measures”.
The guidebook was hailed as a success after it was distributed to students during the ICDL Summer Camp 2013.
ICDL is the International Computer Driving Licence developed to increase knowledge about Information Technology and increase the level of competence in using personal computers.
The guide’s informative material was prepared by the ICDL GCC Foundation and is endorsed by the CPC and the Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC).
Jameel Ezzo, director general of the Foundation, said: “This initiative offers a complete reference for children and youths to positively benefit from the internet and social networks and stay away from possible abuses, something that has become alarmingly popular among various social circles, especially youths.”
