As part of its "Safe Summer" campaign, Abu Dhabi Police is urging parents to be vigilant about their children's online activities during the summer break. The warning highlights growing concerns over cyberbullying, online exploitation, and financial scams targeting children through social media, gaming platforms, and unsecured websites.
As part of its ongoing “Safe Summer” awareness initiative, Abu Dhabi Police have issued a strong advisory urging parents and guardians to pay close attention to their children’s online activity during the summer holidays. With increased screen time and internet usage among youth during the break, the risk of cybercrimes—including bullying, exploitation, and online fraud—continues to grow, prompting authorities to highlight the need for preventive action and parental oversight.
In their statement, police emphasized the growing threat posed by malicious actors on websites, social media platforms, and electronic games. These platforms can expose children to cyberbullying, online harassment, grooming, and even blackmail. Authorities noted that such threats not only compromise children’s mental and emotional well-being but could also lure them into criminal activity or leave them vulnerable to extortion.
One of the alarming trends brought to light by Abu Dhabi Police is the use of social media by criminal networks to promote drug-related content. Children may unknowingly become targets for these groups, receiving spam messages that include voice notes, images, and videos aimed at encouraging drug use or acting as distribution tools. These manipulative strategies are designed to exploit the trust and curiosity of young users, sometimes under the guise of friendship or entertainment.
Police also cautioned families against engaging with unsecured or suspicious gaming websites, which may trick children into sharing sensitive financial information or making unauthorized in-game purchases. These platforms often encourage impulsive transactions, which can place unexpected financial burdens on parents. In some cases, the games or websites may be designed specifically to collect confidential data, including credit card details and personal banking credentials.
To reduce the risk of fraud, Abu Dhabi Police strongly advised against using debit or credit cards on unverified platforms. Instead, they recommend purchasing through secure and trusted websites that follow proper transaction protocols. For families, using prepaid cards or those with limited balances is a safer alternative that minimizes potential financial loss from unauthorized deductions or recurring charges. The authorities also emphasized the importance of keeping payment details private and never saving sensitive information on unsecured devices or websites.
In addition to financial threats, authorities warned that some online predators impersonate children—often pretending to be girls—to befriend unsuspecting users. Over time, these predators may manipulate children into sharing private photos or information, which they later use to threaten, shame, or extort them. This form of blackmail can lead to emotional trauma, withdrawal, or even depression among young victims.
To help families deal with such threats, Abu Dhabi Police emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with children, regularly discussing internet safety, and encouraging them to report any uncomfortable or suspicious behavior they encounter online. Early intervention and active parental involvement remain key to preventing serious consequences.
To strengthen community protection, Abu Dhabi Police also highlighted their “Aman Service”, a confidential security communication platform available 24/7. Through this service, the public can report any suspicious or criminal behavior related to online threats, community issues, or traffic violations. The Aman Service provides multiple channels for easy access:
In a related statement, Abu Dhabi Police also outlined specific methods commonly used by cybercriminals to target and blackmail children and teenagers. These include:
Given the rise in such cases, the police urged parents not to neglect their children’s online activities and to stay aware of the apps, games, and websites they frequently use.
To further protect against cybercrimes, Abu Dhabi Police issued a list of essential precautions for families:
The police department's guidance aims to promote a culture of digital awareness, helping families across the UAE maintain a safe and secure online environment during the summer break and beyond. With increased cooperation from parents, schools, and the wider community, Abu Dhabi Police remain committed to protecting young users from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Source : Gulf News
Image : aag-it.com
