Juvenile Protection Warns Against Cyberbullying, Online Violations, and Misuse of Mobile Phones

- The role of the administration extends beyond handling cases after they occur to include prevention and awareness.

Lieutenant Abdullah Al-Awadi, of the Juvenile Protection Administration within the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations, emphasized that the Juvenile Protection Administration plays a vital role in safeguarding children and juveniles and following up on cases involving them. He noted that protecting them is a shared responsibility among families, security institutions, and educational and social organizations.

During an appearance on Kuwait Radio, Al-Awadi clarified that “the Administration is responsible for following up on cases involving juveniles, conducting investigations, gathering evidence, and implementing relevant judgments and decisions, in coordination with social welfare centers under the Ministry of Social Affairs, in accordance with the law.” He stressed that “the Administration’s role is not limited to dealing with cases after they occur, but also includes prevention, awareness, and early intervention to enhance the security and psychological and social stability of children.”

Al-Awadi pointed to a decrease in the number of juvenile cases compared to 2025, highlighting the importance of continuing awareness efforts and strengthening cooperation between families and relevant institutions to protect children and curb behaviors that may threaten their future.

He added that “the Juvenile Protection Administration holds meetings throughout the year with various government and civil society entities to coordinate and exchange expertise, in addition to intensifying awareness lectures in schools to raise awareness among students and highlight key behaviors and risks that may threaten their safety and future.”

He noted that “these awareness lectures cover several important topics, including bullying, cyber offenses, misuse of mobile phones and smart devices, drug-related issues, and other behaviors that may affect children.” He also highlighted the Administration’s cooperation with various government and civil society entities in organizing exhibitions and events related to children, as well as its commitment to developing the skills of its personnel through specialized training courses.

Al-Awadi confirmed that “a juvenile is defined as any male or female under the age of 18, and the doors of the Juvenile Protection Administration are open to everyone. The public can contact the Administration via the hotline 25589535, which operates around the clock to receive reports and facilitate communication with the Administration.”

Regarding cybercrimes and violations related to technology use, Al-Awadi explained that “there is coordination and communication between the Juvenile Protection Administration and the Cybercrime Administration, as the latter is the competent authority for technical aspects related to mobile phones and smart devices.” He clarified that “cases involving a juvenile or child as one of the parties fall under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Protection Administration in coordination with the Cybercrime Administration. Once a case is referred to the Administration, the necessary procedures are completed and it is forwarded to the competent authorities.”

Al-Awadi stressed the importance of the family’s role in protecting, monitoring, and educating children about potential risks. He addressed a message to parents, emphasizing that children are a trust that must be preserved and cared for, especially in cases of family disputes and divorce.

He called for avoiding involving children in parental conflicts or burdening them with their consequences, due to the potential psychological impact. He urged parents to monitor their children, pay attention to their surrounding environment, and observe any changes in their behavior. He also advised parents to monitor their children’s use of smartphones, electronic devices, and applications on social media, as this contributes to protecting them from risks and enhancing their psychological and social well-being.

On the legal front, Al-Awadi clarified that “event liability is determined in accordance with the provisions of the law regarding the acts committed, and procedures vary depending on the nature of the act and the legal provisions,” emphasizing the importance of raising awareness among children and parents about legal responsibility and the consequences of violating legal provisions.