Online Gaming Dangers Under Spotlight

The Undersecretary of the Interior Ministry for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs and Chairman of the Anti-Violence and Addiction Committee, Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, chaired a meeting of the committee to review achievements and set future plans for the "Maan (Together) Against Violence and Addiction" programme.

At the start of the meeting, Shaikh Hisham welcomed the members and congratulated them on the beginning of the new academic year, wishing students a year of success and achievement. He praised the efforts of those managing the programme and their cooperation with relevant entities to create a safe educational environment that supports learning goals.

The Director of the Maan programme presented a review of outcomes from the second semester of the 2024–2025 academic year, which included assessments of field interaction and results. Plans for the first semester of 2025–2026 were also discussed, featuring awareness curricula, interactive lectures and workshops, exhibitions, and modern educational tools aimed at instilling positive values, promoting a sense of belonging, and raising awareness of the dangers of negative behaviours.

As part of curriculum development, the committee reviewed newly introduced content covering civil defence and traffic safety, designed to encourage prevention and respect for the law. The session also addressed the "WAED" Awareness and Study Preparation Programme at the Child Protection Centre, which aims to protect young people and strengthen their personalities.

Shaikh Hisham stressed the importance of ongoing cooperation with universities in producing studies and scientific research, highlighting the role of joint research projects in addressing security issues with reliable data and indicators that support preventive planning and sustainable solutions.

He also underlined the growing need to address risks associated with online gaming platforms, urging awareness among students and parents, the use of parental control tools, and the development of specialised programmes on safe usage. He called for workshops to train educators on dealing with behaviours linked to excessive gaming, with the goal of protecting children and enhancing their social skills within a safe educational environment.

The committee further discussed preparations for the upcoming Maan Security Awareness Exhibition, which offers visitors practical and interactive experiences to better understand potential risks. It noted the exhibition’s key role in raising awareness of negative behaviours, reinforcing compliance with laws, and strengthening preventive culture across society.

In conclusion, the meeting outlined future plans to expand and improve the programme, align its strategies with evolving community needs, and build stronger partnerships with official and social institutions. The committee reaffirmed its commitment to achieving sustainable outcomes that contribute to a safe, healthy, and responsible society.