Photo: File. Image used for illustrative purpose
S. Abdalla, an Emirati mother in Dubai, discovered through her son that her 14-year-old daughter was involved in a 'suspicious' plan with her friends. Upon checking her daughter's phone, she found out that they were planning to confront a classmate who had allegedly been physically aggressive towards them. The plan involved spraying a concoction, designed to cause stinging, into the classmate's eyes. Abdalla intervened, explaining the potential harm they could cause to the girl.
S. Abdalla is one of many parents in the UAE who are uncertain about the appropriateness of checking their children’s phones. While regular monitoring is crucial to protect against issues such as accessing restricted content or forming relationships with strangers, excessive inspection can hinder the development of a supportive environment. According to the law, there is no prohibition against parents checking their children’s phones; they have both a legal and moral obligation to ensure safety. “In the UAE, parents are generally within their rights to monitor their child’s phone, particularly to protect them,” stated Asma Siddiqui, Senior Associate at BSA Law. Siddiqui clarified that once a child reaches adulthood (18 years in the UAE), they are responsible for their actions and have greater privacy rights.
Parents must emphasize their duty to protect their children from online dangers while discussing the issue of phone monitoring. Managing their emotions and responding maturely when children react negatively to phone inspections is also essential. “Trust develops when children feel they can discuss anything with their parents without fear of judgement,” said Dr Shaju George, a psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital Dubai. Regular conversations foster an environment where children feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. “Engaging in regular, healthy conversations about various topics helps build trust and allows children to feel comfortable discussing everything openly,” added George, promoting healthy dialogue without conflict.
Parents should be vigilant for signs that indicate a child is hiding something on their phone, such as “keeping devices secured with passwords, regularly deleting texts or call logs, using phones at odd hours, lying about usage, and avoiding screen time tracking,” he added. As reported by Khaleej Times earlier, police have urged parents to spend quality time with children to help reduce their screen time. The authorities highlighted the importance of protecting children from cybercrime, which can occur through the purchase of online games on fake and unreliable sites, leading to access to bank accounts, money theft, and even monthly deductions from the card used.
Hajar H., an Emirati mother, found a conversation on her 12-year-old son’s phone about ordering a pocket-knife and a knuckle duster using their home address. Upon confronting her son, he explained that a friend had ordered the items for school and shipped them to his address so that his parents wouldn’t find out. Dr Raga Sandhya Gandi, a psychiatrist at Zulekha Hospital Dubai, emphasized the need to balance privacy and safety when monitoring children's phones. Parents can adopt several strategies for healthy monitoring: Establish clear guidelines for online activity, activate privacy settings on devices, teach children to safeguard personal information, and model positive online behaviours. According to the American Psychological Association, parents should consider monitoring their child's phone use until children are 15 years old. However, Gandi notes that this age can vary depending on each child's maturity and circumstances.
Dr Gandi emphasized the importance of staying calm when discovering concerning content on the child’s phone: “It’s crucial to remain calm and reassure the child that they are there to support them. Parents should assist in blocking or reporting inappropriate content and monitor any behavioural changes that may arise, seeking professional help if necessary.”
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