An alert from Interpol in America notified Dubai authorities about a troubling social media post where a child shared images of expired medicines labeled as ‘suicide.’ The post, made on Snapchat, raised concerns for the child’s safety and potential risks for others.
“We knew immediate action was essential,” said Major Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Matrooshi, head of Dubai Police’s Child and Women Protection Department. “The IP address was traced to Dubai, making this a serious case.” The department worked quickly with criminal investigations to identify the account and confirm the child’s safety.
Dubai Police reached out to the family and arranged a meeting to check on the child’s well-being. After a psychological assessment, it was found that the child had shared the post as a misguided joke, not as a sign of suicidal intentions. “Handling this with care was crucial to ensure the child’s well-being,” added Dr. Al Matrooshi.
Dr. Al Matrooshi also emphasized the need for better AI technology to monitor online behavior that could threaten child safety. “AI can help detect risky behavior and enable early intervention,” he noted.
Child protection organizations worldwide are now exploring AI’s role in safeguarding children online. “AI can gather data to guide us on where support is needed,” said Mr. Patrick Krens, executive director of Child Helpline International. They’re working with tech companies to develop tools that assist counselors in engaging with children more effectively.
While AI enhances support efforts, Mr. Krens stressed it won’t replace human counselors. “AI helps, but the human touch is essential in providing empathy and care.”
Moza Al Shoomi, vice president of the Child Protection Association, discussed how AI can identify children at risk without them asking for help. “AI can analyze family situations and alert us if children need support,” she explained, noting cases where family issues like addiction or mental health struggles affect children’s well-being.
The forum concluded with calls for stricter regulations on children’s social media use and more education on online risks. “These steps are key to protecting children in our digital age,” Dr. Al Matrooshi remarked, also warning about AI’s risks, including exposure to harmful content and privacy threats. “We must be mindful of how AI affects children’s social well-being,” he cautioned.
