Gulf Children's Day on January 15th each year . This occasion transcends being merely an annual celebration, becoming a strategic platform for reviewing the legal and educational gains achieved for children in the region. This focus stems from the GCC countries' belief that investing in childhood is the cornerstone of achieving sustainable development and building the human capital of the future.
In this context, a group of specialists confirmed to Al-Youm that this occasion embodies the qualitative progress made by the Gulf countries in aligning their national legislation with international agreements, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to ensure a safe and supportive environment for psychological, social and cognitive development.
Strategic and legislative dimensions of protection
Dr. Amani bint Mohammed Al-Dosari, Associate Professor of Personality and Social Psychology, explained that Gulf Children's Day reflects the maturity of the Gulf experience in the field of children's rights. She pointed out that the GCC countries did not stop at theoretical legislation, but moved to practical implementation through the establishment of specialized bodies and family protection committees, which contributed to creating a comprehensive preventive system.
Al-Dossari explained that the integration between the health and education sectors played a pivotal role in the early detection of developmental and behavioral disorders, which facilitates therapeutic intervention processes and supports the building of a balanced national identity among the youth.
Protection and prevention system
For her part, psychological and family counselor Badriya Al-Maimouni highlighted the procedural aspect, emphasizing that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have made significant progress in enacting laws that criminalize abuse and neglect, such as the Child Protection Law and the Protection from Abuse Law. She commended the activation of official reporting channels that operate around the clock, which enhances the sense of security in society.
Al-Maimouni added that the responsibility does not fall on the state alone, but begins with the family that provides emotional security, passing through the school which must be a bullying-free environment, and reaching the conscious society that rejects abusive practices.
Challenges of the digital age and identity
In light of rapid technological advancements, Dr. Maatouq Al-Sharif, an international consultant for sustainable development, pointed out that Gulf children face new challenges posed by cyberspace and cultural openness. He emphasized that these changes necessitate proactive policies that protect children from harmful content while enhancing their digital skills.
Al-Sharif praised the coordinating role of the Human Rights Office in the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council, which works to unify efforts and exchange experiences to ensure that the child grows up in an environment that respects his cultural privacy and keeps pace with global changes.
Investing in the future
Psychologist Intisar Ali Al-Aqeel and Dr. Nouf Hassanein, Assistant Professor of Childhood Studies at Umm Al-Qura University, agreed that children are the ultimate investment in the future visions of the Gulf countries, such as the Kingdom's Vision 2030. They emphasized the need for comprehensive care to include children with disabilities, and the importance of focusing on quality education that balances cognitive achievement with the instilling of values, stressing the role of responsible media in promoting national identity and belonging.
