Ras Al Khaimah Police took part in the awareness forum titled “My Family is My Greatest Wealth,” organized by the Juvenile Awareness and Care Association under the patronage of Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors. The forum was held at the Emirates Association for Social Development to mark World Drug Day 2024. The forum session, moderated by Dr. Jassim Khalil Mirza, a member of the Board of Directors of the Juvenile Awareness and Welfare Association, featured several key speakers. Lieutenant Colonel Abdel Nasser Al Shirawi, Head of the Community Awareness Section in the Community Police Department, Dr. Mahra Al Malik, Member of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Association for Social Development, and Fatima Saeed Al Kindi, Head of the Social Support Section in the General Directorate of Human Rights of Dubai Police, highlighted the critical role of family, education, and community efforts in combating the scourge of drugs and drug addiction among young people.
Colonel Al Shirawi underscored the relentless efforts by the Ministry of Interior and the UAE to combat drugs and the rising number of addicts. He pointed out that the problem of drugs and abuse is multifaceted, involving the family, school, and various societal institutions. He emphasized that the family is the primary pillar in protecting children from drug addiction, bearing the greatest responsibility in instilling religious morals and sound values. He warned against unintentional mistakes by parents and guardians, such as discrimination or cruelty towards children and neglect, which are significant causes of children's addiction to drugs.
Dr. Mahra Al Malik emphasized that addiction and drug problems are complex issues involving various aspects, including family responsibility in raising awareness and instilling values, the pivotal role of schools in shaping a child's personality, and the influence of bad companions. She highlighted the need for parents to protect their children intellectually, enhance their self-confidence, and maintain continuous dialogue with them.
Fatima Al Ketbi stressed that the family plays a vital role in enhancing children’s self-confidence and respect, away from neglect, which is a common factor in addiction. She highlighted the importance of families being prepared to raise and care for their children and contain them if they fall into addiction. She also noted the importance of early detection and appropriate handling of an addicted child to ensure their safety. Al Ketbi called for collective efforts at both individual and societal levels to combat drugs, intensify awareness campaigns, and strengthen religious and moral values in young people to protect them from bad influences.
