In Dubai, a concerned mother discovered her son had been added to a WhatsApp group without his knowledge. The group, titled ‘Dubai GC’, had over 600 students and contained inappropriate content such as insults and bullying. The admin of the group seemed to be provoking the students, leading to concerns about the safety of the children involved. The mother took action by alerting other parents and ensuring her son left the group.
The group chat included children as young as 10 engaging in harmful activities like making plans to meet in person and confessing to theft. Some used the platform to sell items, while others shared personal information like their ages and locations. The mother who discovered the group was alarmed by the conversations she saw and felt the need to warn other parents about the potential dangers of such groups. She also reached out to the mother of the classmate who added her son to the group to address the issue.
Parents in Dubai have previously raised concerns about anonymous social media groups that encourage students to disclose personal details to strangers. One parent shared her experience of finding her daughter following a private Instagram page filled with inappropriate content. The parent took steps to protect her child by deleting Instagram from her daughter’s phone. This incident highlights the importance of monitoring children’s online activities and educating them about the risks of interacting with unknown individuals.
Educators and experts emphasize the importance of teaching children about the dangers of communicating with strangers on social media platforms. A school in Dubai recently issued a warning about a social media app called ‘Monkey’, which enables users to connect with strangers through video. The app was flagged for posing safeguarding risks and potentially exposing youngsters to inappropriate content. The school advised parents to discuss online safety with their children, establish boundaries, and monitor their online behavior.
In light of the increasing incidents of inappropriate online behavior among children, parents are urged to remain vigilant and actively engage in their children’s online activities. Communication between parents and children about online safety is crucial in protecting young individuals from potential risks associated with social media platforms. By raising awareness about the dangers of interacting with strangers online and establishing clear guidelines for online usage, parents can help safeguard their children from harmful online experiences. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay connected to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the digital age.
