Minister of Social Affairs: Child Care Requires a Safe Family and Social Environment Supporting Psychological, Social, and Cognitive Development

Kuwait City, 5 Oct (KUNA) -- Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Dr. Amthal Al-Hawila affirmed today, Monday, that caring for children requires providing a safe family and social environment that supports their psychological, social, and cognitive development, alongside the development of legislation that guarantees their rights, with updating the Child Law taking precedence.

This came in a speech delivered by Al-Hawila at the opening of the Mental Health Conference and the Second Exhibition of the Ministry of Social Affairs for 2026, organized by the Awareness and Counseling Center under the slogan “Play is Life… When Play Becomes a Language for Learning and Growth,” and lasting for two days.

Al-Hawila stated that childhood is the foundation for building a person’s character and future, emphasizing that play is not merely a means of entertainment but a natural language that helps children express their feelings, discover themselves, develop their skills, and build relationships. She added that it is important to enhance the awareness of families and society regarding the role of play in child development, and to provide an atmosphere of acceptance and support that contributes to building children’s sense of security, belonging, and trust.

She clarified that child care and the protection of their rights is a comprehensive responsibility that combines awareness programs, specialized services, and effective legislation, pointing to the importance of developing the legal framework concerning childhood and listening to the views of relevant authorities and civil society organizations.

She noted that the Ministry is keen to support initiatives that enhance mental health, consolidate the role of the family, and support specialists and workers in the social and psychological fields through the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and specialized practices.

Al-Hawila commended the efforts of the Awareness and Counseling Center, affiliated with the General Administration of Social Care under the Social Care and Development Sector, in organizing the conference, which includes scientific sessions, training workshops, and a companion exhibition to raise awareness about childhood issues.

She highlighted that partnership with civil society institutions is a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable impact and serving society, expressing appreciation for the support of the Development Charity Association and its partnership in the success of this conference.

She expressed her hope that the conference would yield recommendations and practices that contribute to enhancing the quality of services provided to children and families, extending her thanks to partners, sponsors, lecturers, specialists, participating entities, and all those who contributed to preparation and organization.

The conference features three dialogue sessions discussing “Play and Mental Health,” “Play and the Developing Brain,” and “Family and Play,” in addition to two training workshops. The first, aimed at parents, is titled “Play as the Child’s Language” and covers communication skills and practical applications at home. The second, aimed at specialists, is titled “Play Therapy” and reviews the basics and techniques of psychological and behavioral intervention and their practical applications. (End) F.R. / A.M.H.