As schools close for the summer across the UAE, many children turn to video games and online platforms for entertainment. However, Dubai Police are sounding the alarm for parents, highlighting a surge in cybercrime risks linked to unsupervised gaming and digital interactions.
Authorities from the Cybercrime Department under the General Department of Criminal Investigation are urging families to stay closely involved in their children’s digital activity. The department has noted that extended gaming time can open doors to issues such as cyberbullying, manipulation by strangers, and even financial scams.
Officials say these dangers are more likely to go unnoticed during school holidays, when screen time increases and adult supervision often decreases.
Online Games Can Be a Gateway to Real-World Trouble
The concern isn’t about games alone—it’s about who your child may encounter while playing them. Many online games today include messaging systems, anonymous chat functions, and multiplayer modes that connect users globally. This interaction, while seemingly innocent, can lead to harmful conversations or deceptive tactics used by online predators.
Dubai Police have reiterated that the anonymity of such platforms makes it easy for cybercriminals to mask their identity, often pretending to be peers or fellow players to gain trust. In some reported cases, children were coaxed into sharing personal information, images, or engaging in conversations they didn’t fully understand.
Warning Signs Every Parent Should Watch For
Dubai Police encourage parents to pay attention to sudden behavioural changes in their children, especially if they become secretive, withdrawn, or emotionally distressed after gaming sessions. Other red flags could include:
- Unexplained purchases or transactions
- Excessive time spent gaming, especially late at night
- Fear or anxiety when asked about certain games or online friends
- Attempting to hide screens or devices quickly
These could indicate exposure to inappropriate content or interactions with strangers with bad intentions.
Five Cyber Safety Tips for Parents This Summer
To help reduce risk and protect children from digital harm, Dubai Police recommend these proactive steps:
Avoiding Contact with Strangers
Parents should teach children to never engage in conversations with unknown players, regardless of how friendly or harmless they may seem. Any unsolicited messages should be treated with caution.
Monitor Game Choices
Take time to understand the nature of the games your children play. Check if the content is appropriate for their age group and whether it includes open chat features or violent themes.
Use Built-In Parental Controls
Modern devices and platforms come equipped with features that allow parents to control how long children can play, restrict certain games, and block communication with unknown users. These tools are easy to set up and highly effective when used consistently.
Set Clear Time Limits
Establishing a daily schedule that includes limited screen time and encourages offline activities helps create a healthier balance. Gaming should not replace physical play or family interaction.
Keep Personal Information Private
Children should be taught never to share personal details like their full name, home address, phone number, or school name during games or in chat rooms. A simple conversation on privacy can go a long way.
Where to Report Suspicious Online Activity
Dubai Police have made it simple for parents and guardians to report any incidents or suspicious behaviour linked to online gaming. Whether it’s a threatening message, inappropriate content, or possible grooming attempts, families can reach out through several accessible platforms:
- The official Dubai Police smart app
- The dedicated e-Crime platform
- By dialling the non-emergency hotline 901
These channels are designed for swift reporting and allow users to share evidence anonymously when needed. Prompt reporting not only protects the child involved but could also prevent harm to others.
eCrimeHub: A New Education Platform for Digital Safety
To help bridge the awareness gap, Dubai Police recently launched eCrimeHub, a bilingual online platform tailored to educating the public about cyber safety. The site offers practical guides, video explainers, and safety tips for all age groups—from schoolchildren and parents to business professionals and new internet users.
What sets this initiative apart is its accessibility. The content is designed to be easy to understand, culturally relevant, and updated regularly to reflect new threats. Whether you’re learning how to spot a scam or teaching a child about safe browsing, the platform serves as a helpful resource.
A Shared Responsibility: Parents, Schools, and the Community
While law enforcement plays a crucial role in tracking cybercriminals, the responsibility for prevention begins at home. Schools, too, are encouraged to participate by incorporating cyber safety discussions into their curriculum and raising awareness through workshops and assemblies.
In a country like the UAE—where digital adoption is high and technology plays a vital role in everyday life—staying informed and alert is key. Authorities believe that by combining community involvement, education, and technology, the risks children face online can be significantly reduced.
This summer, Dubai Police’s message is clear: online gaming can be fun, but without the right boundaries, it may also expose children to serious risks. Parental awareness and supervision are the first steps to ensuring a safer online experience for the younger generation.
By setting screen time rules, using parental controls, staying informed, and maintaining open communication, families can make the digital world a safer space for their children.
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