More Dangerous Dimensions
The risks of digital bullying as usually discussed do not encompass every aspect of the phenomenon. Abdalnour Sami, an information security consultant and specialist in analysing and improving individual performance, outlined deeper dimensions with greater consequences and risks for children beyond educational platforms. He warned of malware that reaches children's devices through online games, advertisements in videos—particularly on popular film and Japanese anime websites—and communities for gaming fans such as Discord and Twitch.
He stressed that threats to children's safety are not limited to cyberbullying within the educational community. Uninformed use and digital illiteracy pose greater dangers, especially as home internet use increases because of hybrid or distance learning, which currently serves more than 85% of learners. This is accompanied by a worldwide rise in online bullying of children.
An Urgent Need
He highlighted the urgent need to teach parents and children how to protect themselves from threats to future generations, using prevention and protection tools that counter common scams targeting children, particularly those that deceive or entice a child by impersonating a relative or school friend. He advised parents to give children the opportunity to speak, listen when something is wrong, and avoid scolding them; reassurance should come first. In cases of cyber incidents, a report can be submitted through Dubai Police's eCrime platform. Smartphones and personal accounts should be protected, privacy settings applied, and parental controls enabled across all systems.