Abu Dhabi workshop educates fathers on monitoring kids' online activities

The workshop was attended by fathers of children aged from 3 to 11.

 A workshop was conducted in Abu Dhabi to educate fathers on the importance of monitoring their children online.
Organised by the Family Development Foundation, the workshop gave tips on how to understand the attitudes and behaviour of children online, and the positive use of gadgets. They were asked to determine how long their children could sit in front of a computer playing games or communicating with friends, and the need to warn them against chatting with strangers.
The experts also taught the fathers about privacy settings and the need to read computer games and age restrictions before allowing children to play them. It also sought to develop strategies to integrate electronic issues into daily family conversations and the need to highlight the importance of positive online behaviours. Parents were also given tips on what to do and whom to approach in case children land in to trouble online.
Organised in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Police, the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments and Emirates Heritage Club, the three-day interactive workshop targeted parents with children aged between three and 11.
"Youngsters should be told to avoid chatting with strangers online because this is dangerous and can result in blackmail," said an official. "It is important that all parents educate children about the safe ways of using social media and the internet to protect them from online bullies and blackmailers."
He added: "Children must also be taught about the dos and don'ts on the cyber crime law, so they cannot post stuff that could land them into trouble with authorities."
Officials also urged parents to monitor what their children do online and block harmful content. They also highlighted the advantages and challenges of bringing up children in the digital era, and provided parents with insights and ideas to participate in the digital experience of their children.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com