With the start of the 2026–2027 academic year, the Child Safety Organisation has urged families and schools to collaborate on six essential pillars designed to protect and support students. These focus areas include ensuring safe commutes between home and school, prioritizing health readiness, maintaining open family communication, fostering respectful behavior, encouraging sustained parent-teacher dialogue, and practicing responsible, supervised digital engagement.
Hanadi Saleh Al Yafei, Director General of the organisation, emphasized that a successful academic year relies on a unified network of trust. She noted that when children feel supported by a listening family and an attentive school, they gain the confidence to voice their needs and uphold respect for themselves and others. Al Yafei added that consistent messaging across home, school, and digital environments is vital for helping students build healthy relationships and navigate challenges with greater stability.
The transition back to the classroom is a significant life event for children, beginning the moment they leave home. Beyond standard safety precautions during transit, the organisation highlighted the importance of helping students emotionally and socially adjust to their new routines. This period serves as a critical opportunity for the community to renew its commitment to creating a secure, welcoming environment where every child feels they belong.
Health and wellbeing remain top priorities as students settle into their schedules. The organisation pointed to the direct link between a child’s ability to concentrate and their daily habits, including balanced nutrition, hydration, and physical activity. To support these needs, the World Health Organisation recommends that children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 engage in an average of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. Furthermore, established health guidelines suggest that children aged 6 to 12 require 9 to 12 hours of sleep, while those aged 13 to 18 need between 8 and 10 hours each night.
Digital safety is another cornerstone of the new guidance, as technology is now deeply embedded in both social and educational life. The organisation advocates for informed, age-appropriate supervision that balances protection with the development of digital responsibility. By establishing clear family agreements regarding privacy and device usage, parents can help children navigate online spaces safely. This approach encourages students to seek help from trusted adults if they encounter concerning content or experiences.
Finally, the organisation addressed the prevention of school bullying, stating that it begins with a culture of respect and the celebration of differences. Schools are encouraged to foster an environment where students feel valued and included. By promoting positive peer support and encouraging children to speak up when necessary, the community can contribute to a more cohesive and cooperative educational experience for all learners.
Source: Gulf Today
