Gone are the days when school projects meant flipping through dusty encyclopaedias at the library. Today, with just a few clicks, children can unlock a world of knowledge, expanding their horizons and connecting with cultures across the globe. The digital age has transformed learning, making information more accessible than ever. However, alongside these exciting opportunities come new risks that parents and educators cannot afford to ignore.
Online learning is no longer a luxury but a necessity, a reality-driven home during the COVID-19 pandemic. As families, schools, and governments embraced virtual education, the need to safeguard children in the digital space became clearer than ever. The responsibility does not fall solely on tech developers or policymakers – it is a shared effort involving educators, parents, and children themselves.
Since 2010, SafeSurf has been an active initiative of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)’s Online Safety Department. Aimed at creating a safer online environment for Bahrain’s youth, SafeSurf copes with latest trends and the extreme digital shift to ensure a safer internet-use for users in the Kingdom.
We spoke to May Ali AlGhatam, Online Safety Manager, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) about the role of the Online Safety Department and how their SafeSurf initiative is creating a safer digital environment for Bahrain’s youth.
What is the role of the Online Safety Department within the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)?
The Online Safety Department at TRA serves as a dedicated hub for promoting a secure digital environment across Bahrain. Our role is to empower individuals – students, parents, and educators – by providing resources, workshops, and initiatives that foster safe and responsible internet use. Through programmes like SafeSurf, we aim to address emerging digital challenges, protect users from online risks, and contribute to Bahrain’s vision of a thriving, secure digital society.
How does SafeSurf address the evolving online threats, including those posed by AI like cyberbullying and scams?
SafeSurf is designed to be proactive and adaptable, ensuring we stay ahead of emerging threats. AI has brought both opportunities and risks – making issues like cyberbullying, phishing scams, and deepfakes more complex. At SafeSurf, we address these challenges by offering educational tools, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with global technology leaders. Our focus is on equipping individuals, especially students, with the knowledge and skills to recognize these risks and respond effectively.
What are the most common online threats that children and young adults in Bahrain face today?
Children and young adults today face a range of online threats, including cyberbullying, online scams, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy breaches. Additionally, with the rise of AI, threats like manipulated media and automated scams are becoming more prevalent. Our role at SafeSurf is to address these challenges through education, awareness, and resources tailored to empower young users and their families to navigate the digital space safely and responsibly.
AI and technology are changing the world. If you could point out 3 things parents and educators must know while introducing children to them, what would they be?
First, parents and educators must emphasise digital literacy – helping children understand how to differentiate between trustworthy and misleading content. Second, they must focus on privacy and security practices – teaching students to safeguard their personal information and recognise potential scams. Finally, promote balanced and ethical technology use by encouraging children to use AI tools and technology creatively but responsibly, while understanding the associated risks.
How can educational institutions navigating through safe and ethical AI use leverage SafeSurf’s resources to equip students?
SafeSurf provides a comprehensive suite of resources: from workshops and educational materials to campaigns tailored to address AI-driven risks. Schools can partner with us to integrate online safety modules into their curriculum, host interactive sessions for students, and train educators to navigate AI responsibly. By working together, we ensure that students develop the skills to use AI safely and ethically while staying protected from its misuse.
What, in your opinion, are the biggest challenges faced by educators as they navigate safe and ethical AI use in Bahrain?
One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with the rapid evolution of AI technologies. Educators need support to stay informed about emerging risks and tools. Another challenge is balancing innovation with safety, ensuring AI is used to enhance learning without compromising security or ethics. Finally, fostering awareness and preparedness among students requires consistent collaboration between educators, parents, and initiatives like SafeSurf to equip them with the right knowledge.
What are the future goals for SafeSurf, especially regarding partnerships with educational institutions?
Our goal is to deepen our collaboration with schools and universities across Bahrain. We have ambitious plans to expand our workshops, provide more interactive tools, and launch targeted campaigns addressing new challenges like AI-driven threats. As a trusted partner for educational institutions, SafeSurf will further its mission to ensure that every student and educator has access to the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the digital world safely and confidently.
Building Trust and Safety: Tackling Cyberbullying in Bahrain
Cyberbullying is a growing global concern, leaving a lasting digital footprint and making recovery more challenging. In the Gulf region, where the culture of bullying is still being studied, children remain vulnerable.
Parents and educators can play a keyrole by fostering an environment where children feel safe speaking up about their online experiences. Teaching about cyberbullying prevention, privacy, and recognizing harmful behaviour is essential.
Modelling positive online practices encourages children to emulate respectful behaviour. It’s important to assure children that cyberbullying isn’t their fault and to encourage trust and healing. Using parental controls and reporting incidents can help prevent further harm, while collaboration with schools canensure safer digital practices for all.
