In recognition of the Global Day Against Drug Abuse, the جمعية الاجتماعيين is set to host an informative seminar titled “How to Protect Our Children from Drugs in the Digital World.” Scheduled for Saturday, June 27, the event emphasizes the motto “Awareness is Prevention… Responsibility is Partnership.” The seminar will take place at the Emirates Red Crescent headquarters, highlighting the collective responsibility of society to safeguard the youth.
The seminar will begin at 11 AM and is part of the جمعية الاجتماعيين’s initiative to enhance community awareness while fostering a culture of prevention and shared responsibility.
Leading the seminar will be Major Salem Khamees Al Mazrouei, with Professor Aisha Al Badawi facilitating the session. Attendees will include a diverse group of specialists, educators, parents, university students, and social workers who share a vested interest in family and educational welfare.
This timely seminar arises amid rapid digital advancements and the increasing use of social media platforms and instant messaging applications. Such developments have introduced new methods targeting youth and adolescents within the digital landscape, placing heightened responsibility on families, educational institutions, and community organizations to promote awareness, prevention, and protection for their children.
Dr. Mohammed Hamdan Bin Gerash, Director of جمعية الاجتماعيين, emphasized the organization’s commitment to addressing contemporary societal issues, particularly the challenges posed by the digital world and its impact on youth. He noted, “Some drug dealers have begun to exploit modern technologies and digital platforms to reach their target demographics in more sophisticated and covert ways.”
Furthermore, the seminar aims to enhance societal awareness about the dangers of drugs and modern online promotional tactics. It will educate families on the digital solicitation methods aimed at youth and adolescents while fostering skills for prevention and dialogue within families. Empowering young individuals to navigate dubious digital content wisely is essential.
Bin Gerash articulated that protecting children is a collective societal responsibility, necessitating a cohesive role among families, schools, universities, community organizations, and media outlets. He added, “Awareness and knowledge serve as the first line of defense against behavioral and ideological risks that young people may encounter in the digital environment.”
Main Seminar Themes
The seminar will explore four main themes. The first theme focuses on the current state of drugs in the digital age, discussing the evolution of promotional tactics over recent years and the role of digital platforms and social media in this context. It will also delve into the reasons why youth are particularly vulnerable to digital threats.
The second theme will spotlight the psychological manipulation techniques utilized by online promoters and the role of curiosity and the desire for experience in increasing the likelihood of targeting. It will also highlight indications and messages that warrant caution and attention.
The third theme addresses the family’s role as the primary defense against drug abuse. It will focus on fostering family dialogue, building trust, and maintaining positive communication with children. Achieving a balance between oversight and privacy in the digital realm, as well as identifying behavioral signs that require attention, will also be discussed.
The fourth theme will cover the roles of educational, social, and media institutions in promoting a culture of prevention. It will emphasize the importance of partnership among families and various institutions in safeguarding youth while instilling the notion of shared social responsibility.
Dr. Mohammed Bin Gerash concluded his remarks by reiterating that building an informed and culturally fortified community necessitates ongoing investment in awareness and education. He urged parents, youth, and those involved in social and educational affairs to attend the seminar and benefit from its scientific and awareness-driven discussions, contributing to enhanced prevention and protection of children while ensuring community safety and stability.