Sharjah's 3rd Child Safety Forum: A Call to Action for Child Protection

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the spouse of Sharjah's ruler and Chairperson of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, officially opened the Third Edition of the Child Safety Forum 2025, themed “Protect Their Innocence.” Held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, the event gathered prominent leaders from various family and child-focused organizations, alongside psychologists, educators, and digital safety professionals from both local and international platforms.

This remarkable forum showcases Sharjah's robust commitment to child protection and its comprehensive social support network. It aims to provide a vital platform for discussing child safety while addressing future challenges posed by swift social and digital transformations globally.

Sheikha Jawaher stressed the moral obligation to shield children, urging parents to engage more meaningfully with their kids—listening, guiding, and nurturing a sense of security. She highlighted, “Being present for your children is vital; every moment spent with them is an investment in their future and security.”

Having earned its recognition as a Baby and Family-Friendly Emirate, Sharjah has long prioritized family-oriented values, which began in the 1950s. This acknowledgment emphasizes the Emirate's mission to nurture a society that places a premium on children's welfare.

Hanadi Al Yafei, General Director of Child Safety, pointed out that today’s children encounter challenges that differ significantly from those faced by earlier generations, especially given the unrestricted access to the digital landscape. The essence of modern parenting involves understanding children’s emotions and needs while proactively engaging with their experiences.

Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher, the Child Safety initiative has emerged as a groundbreaking model for child welfare, promoting awareness and safety initiatives throughout Sharjah and beyond.

The forum featured discussions on significant issues, such as the first session titled “The World is Seeping into Our Homes… Who is Educating Our Children?” led by experts like Dr. Mohammed Al Kaabi, and Dr. Hind Al Badwawi, focusing on child rights and emotional security.

The second session, “Fear of Society: When Silence Becomes the Enemy,” emphasized the importance of creating a secure atmosphere for children to voice their concerns while reducing stigmas associated with behavioral challenges.

The final segment, “Fathers Who Make a Difference Across Generations,” highlighted the crucial roles fathers play in nurturing emotional intelligence, effective communication, and understanding the digital world alongside their children.

Ultimately, the Forum reaffirmed Sharjah's commitment to child protection, advocating for collaboration between families and community organizations to ensure a secure environment for children's growth and development.