Minister of 'Social Affairs': Child care requires providing a safe family and social environment supporting psychological, social, and cognitive development
Minister of Social Affairs emphasized that child care requires a safe environment and the development of legislation
Translated by Qiyas from السياسة — Original source
- During the opening of the Mental Health Forum under the slogan “Play is Life… When Play Becomes a Language for Learning and Growth,”
Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila affirmed today, Monday, that caring for children requires providing a safe family and social environment that supports their psychological, social, and cognitive development, alongside developing legislation that guarantees their rights, with updating the Child Law being a top priority.
This statement came in a speech delivered by Al-Huwaila at the opening of the Mental Health Forum 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-Huwaila stated that childhood is the foundation for building a person’s character and future, noting that play is not merely a means of entertainment, but a natural language that helps children express their emotions, discover themselves, develop their skills, and build relationships.
She added that there is a need to enhance family and societal awareness of the role of play in child development, and to provide an atmosphere of acceptance and support, which contributes to fostering children’s sense of security, belonging, and trust.
She clarified that child care and protection of their rights is a comprehensive responsibility that combines awareness programs, specialized services, and effective legislation, emphasizing the importance of developing the legal framework concerning childhood and listening to the views of relevant stakeholders and civil society organizations.
She noted that the Ministry is keen to support initiatives that promote mental health and reinforce the role of the family, and to support specialists and professionals in the social and psychological fields through the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and specialized practices.
Al-Huwaila commended the efforts of the Awareness and Counseling Center, affiliated with the General Administration of Social Care within the Social Care and Development Sector, in organizing the forum, which includes scientific sessions, training workshops, and a companion exhibition to raise awareness about childhood issues.
She pointed out that partnership with civil society institutions is a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable impact and serving the community, expressing appreciation for the support of the Khairiya Development Association and its partnership in the success of this forum.
She expressed hope that the forum 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 forum 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 for parents, titled (Play as the Child’s Language), covering communication skills and practical applications at home; and the second for specialists, titled (Play Therapy), which outlines the basics and techniques of psychological and behavioral intervention and their practical applications.
