Legal Forum for Social and Psychological Specialists in Education
Social and psychological specialists from schools under the Directorate General of Education in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate participated in a legal forum organized by the Legal Affairs Department. The event, themed “Professional Practice Under Law,” aimed to enhance legal awareness among school staff and improve their understanding of procedures related to student issues and the protection of their rights.
The forum was held under the patronage of Qasim bin Salem Al Ghafri, Assistant Attorney General and Director General of the Directorate General of Public Prosecution for Al Dakhiliyah and Al Wusta Governorates. The program included a series of presentations by experts specializing in legal, educational, and social aspects.
Focus of the Forum
The forum emphasized professional responsibilities related to handling school violations and the scope of work for social and psychological specialists. Key topics included children’s rights, disciplinary measures, protocols for receiving and documenting complaints, and referring cases to the appropriate authorities while respecting confidentiality, student dignity, and privacy.
The program featured a paper titled “Violations Occurring Within School Premises and How to Address Them,” presented by Dr. Zaher bin Nasser Al Siyabi, Assistant Attorney General and Director of the First Department of Public Prosecution in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. Additionally, Musa bin Khalifa Al Nabihani, Director of Innovation and Artificial Intelligence, discussed “Safe Employment of Artificial Intelligence Applications in the School Environment.” Dr. Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Abri presented a paper on “Children’s Rights Between Reality and Aspirations,” while Mi bint Abdullah Al Bahri, Head of Student Services, addressed “Empowering Social Specialists through Regulatory Texts to Protect the Student.”
Addressing Challenges in School Environments
Key discussions centered on the prevention of violence, abuse, neglect, and bullying, as well as identifying risk indicators, early intervention, and initial handling of cases requiring protection. The forum highlighted the roles of specialists, school administrations, child protection representatives, and relevant authorities in monitoring situations.
Moreover, the event aimed to reduce procedural errors resulting from unclear responsibilities. It seeks to assist specialists in applying regulations governing school operations while respecting students’ rights and achieving educational goals by addressing behavioral issues and creating a safe school environment.
Implications for Educational Professionals
Dr. Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Abri, Head of Licensing at the Directorate General of Education in Al Dakhiliyah, noted that the forum was a response to the need for social and psychological specialists to better understand legal frameworks related to situations they encounter in schools. The forum aimed to clarify their responsibilities and the procedures to follow when addressing violations or cases that require intervention and protection.
Furthermore, the program connects legal topics with the realities of professional practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding regulations, maintaining accurate documentation, ensuring confidentiality, and referring cases properly. Such knowledge empowers specialists to make appropriate decisions within their jurisdiction while preserving student rights and dignity.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The recent forum underscores a significant step toward enhancing the professional competence of social and psychological specialists in the educational sector. As these professionals gain deeper insights into legal frameworks and their application, the overall environment for students may improve markedly. As future initiatives develop, stakeholders should watch for further training opportunities and forums that continue to bridge the gap between legal knowledge and practical application in schools.