With one‑third of internet users now children, rising digital risks highlight the urgent need for stronger online protection measures.
SHARJAH: As children become one of the fastest‑growing groups of internet users globally, safeguarding their digital experiences has become a central priority for families, schools and institutions. International studies show that more than one in three internet users today are children, many of whom access digital platforms at a younger age and spend longer periods online. This rapid shift offers learning and connection, but it also increases exposure to online risks that can quietly escalate without guidance or monitoring.
Experts warn that when children navigate digital spaces without supervision, they are more vulnerable to manipulation and unsafe interactions. According to global health data, a significant number of children face some form of harm during childhood, and many emerging cases now begin in online spaces before extending into real‑world consequences. The International Day for the Prevention of Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Recovery serves as a crucial reminder that online safety must remain a shared responsibility across families, communities and digital platforms.
Ameena Al Refaei, Director of Kanaf Centre in Sharjah, says offenders increasingly use the anonymity of digital platforms to approach children, often through conversations that appear harmless at first. She explains that many cases develop gradually, creating emotional pressure or confusion for young users. Kanaf’s role focuses heavily on preventative education, equipping families and children with practical tools to recognise early warning signs and respond safely.
Al Refaei encourages families and schools to maintain open communication with children about their online habits and to pay attention to sudden behavioural changes that may indicate discomfort or distress. Building trust, she says, forms the foundation of effective protection, helping children feel safe to report anything that worries them.
International assessments, including recent reports from global child safety alliances, show a sharp rise in digital grooming attempts and harmful content since 2019. This highlights the urgency for collective action. Kanaf continues to invest in awareness programmes, community outreach and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening digital safety. The centre’s mission is clear: empower families with knowledge, create safer online environments and ensure that children can explore the digital world confidently and securely.
