Dubai: Dubai Police and the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai have joined forces to equip families with practical knowledge to protect children from risks at home, online, while travelling and around water.

The awareness workshops formed part of the “Our Children’s Summer is Safe” campaign, organised by the Child and Women Protection Department at the General Department of Human Rights in Dubai Police in cooperation with the Community Development Authority.

Held during the second half of August, the workshops reached families through five Dubai neighbourhood councils in Al Awir, Al Warqa, Nad Al Sheba, Al Khawaneej and Al Barsha.

Preventing Risks Before They Happen

The campaign forms part of Dubai Police’s continued efforts to strengthen public awareness of children’s rights and safety and promote a culture centred on prevention and protection.
By taking practical safety messages directly into neighbourhood communities, the campaign aims to strengthen the role of families and wider society in protecting children and creating safer environments for them.

The workshops addressed issues particularly relevant during the summer period and as families prepared for the start of the new academic year.

Drowning Prevention

Families were reminded of the importance of constant adult supervision whenever children are near swimming pools or beaches. The workshops highlighted the importance of accompanying children and ensuring they remain under close supervision around water to reduce the risk of drowning.

Staying Safe Online

Digital safety was another key area of focus. Parents were alerted to potential risks hidden in links associated with some online games and the possibility of children entering conversations with strangers.
The sessions encouraged parents to remain aware of what their children access online and to help them understand how to use the internet safely.

Travel, Windows and Balconies

The workshops also addressed child safety during travel, highlighting the importance of preparing in advance, ensuring children have everything they need and closely supervising them while moving between locations.
At home, families were reminded to secure windows and balconies, avoid leaving children unattended and keep keys and objects that could help a child climb safely out of reach.
Preparing Children for School
With the new academic year approaching, families were also encouraged to prepare children psychologically for their return to school.

The sessions highlighted the importance of gradually organising children’s sleeping schedules before classes begin, helping them return to school feeling confident, secure and reassured.

The workshops were moderated by Huda Waleed Al Bastaki, Head of Community Awareness at CDA, who led discussions with participants and addressed awareness topics supporting the campaign’s child protection objectives.

Child Protection Is a Shared Responsibility

The campaign concluded at Al Barsha Neighbourhood Council in the presence of Lieutenant Colonel Dr Ali Mohammad Al Matroushi, Director of the Child and Women Protection Department.

He outlined Dubai Police’s role in child protection and its efforts in prevention, awareness and strengthening cooperation with families and the community.

Lieutenant Colonel Dr Al Matroushi stressed that protecting children is a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts between families, communities and relevant authorities.

He highlighted the importance of raising public awareness and strengthening preventive measures that protect children from potential risks and provide them with a safe and stable environment.

Supporting Family Stability and Quality of Life

Reem Al Awad, Director of the Community Programmes Department at CDA, said protecting children and promoting their wellbeing are central to the Authority’s efforts to strengthen family stability and quality of life.

She said this aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 to build a prosperous and cohesive society.

Al Awad added that strengthening a culture of prevention and helping families better understand the risks children may face contributes to creating an environment that supports their healthy development.

She said the campaign demonstrates the importance of bringing families and relevant authorities together and delivering practical awareness messages within neighbourhood communities.

The partnership between Dubai Police and CDA, she added, reflects a proactive approach to child protection and reinforces the shared responsibility of safeguarding children’s safety and wellbeing.