Third Child Safety Forum 2025 Focuses on Protecting Children

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, inaugurated the Third Edition of the Child Safety Forum 2025. The event was held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre under the theme “Protect Their Innocence.”

The Forum brought together leaders from family and childhood organizations, local and international experts in psychology, education, and digital safety, along with representatives from social and educational entities, parents, and professionals involved in family affairs. This highlights Sharjah’s strong commitment to childhood protection and its advanced social support system.

The Forum aims to be a leading platform for dialogue on child protection, helping anticipate future challenges caused by rapid social and digital changes worldwide. It also serves as a space to develop policies and solutions to improve children’s safety and emotional well-being.

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher emphasized that protecting children is a moral duty and a deep responsibility. She urged parents to spend quality time with their children, listen to their feelings, guide them, and provide reassurance. Her Highness said that parental presence builds children’s self-confidence and prepares them to face the world safely.

“Prevention starts at home,” she added. “Being close to your children offers genuine protection. Every moment spent with them is an investment in their future and security.”

Sharjah has been officially recognized as a Baby and Family-Friendly Emirate, continuing a long journey of social development that began in the 1950s. This recognition reflects the Emirate’s focus on family support and creating a society that prioritizes the well-being of children.

Hanadi Al Yafei, Director General of the Child Safety, explained that today’s children face challenges very different from past generations, especially due to the unrestricted influence of the digital world. She noted that protecting children is not only about external threats but also understanding and managing what enters their personal spaces. Modern parenthood requires awareness and active engagement to interpret children’s emotions and needs.

Under H.H. Sheikha Jawaher’s guidance, the Child Safety initiative has grown into a pioneering model for child protection, spreading awareness and safety programs across Sharjah and the UAE.

The Forum featured sessions addressing key topics. The first, “The World is Seeping into Our Homes… Who is Educating Our Children?” included experts such as Dr. Mohammed Al Kaabi, Dr. Hind Al Badwawi, Ms. Moza Al Shoomi, and Dr. Khalil Al Zeyoud. They discussed child rights, emotional security, family laws, and digital awareness.

The second session, “Fear of Society: When Silence Becomes the Enemy,” highlighted the need for children to feel safe to express themselves, and society’s role in reducing stigma around behavioral challenges.

The third session, “Fathers Who Make a Difference Across Generations,” focused on fathers’ roles in emotional guidance, role modeling, communication, and bridging the digital gap to understand their children better.

The Forum reinforces Sharjah’s leadership in child protection, showing the importance of cooperation between families and community institutions. It aims to safeguard children’s innocence, provide a safe environment, and ensure their overall development.