First Lieutenant Abdullah Al-Awadi: Children Are a Trust, and Family Disputes Should Not Affect Them

“Juvenile Protection” warns against bullying, cyber offenses, and misuse of smartphones

Juvenile cases decline compared to 2025... and a 24-hour hotline established to receive reports

First Lieutenant Abdullah Al-Awadi, an officer in the Juvenile Protection Department of the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation, emphasized the importance of protecting children and juveniles from behavioral, social, and cyber risks, stressing that the responsibility for safeguarding their well-being lies with families, as well as security, educational, and social institutions.

During an interview with Kuwait Radio, Al-Awadi clarified that a juvenile is defined as any male or female under the age of 18. He noted that the Juvenile Protection Department is tasked with monitoring 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 and Labor, in accordance with the law.

He added that the department’s role extends beyond handling cases after they occur, encompassing prevention, awareness, and early intervention to enhance the security and psychological and social stability of children.

Al-Awadi highlighted the department’s commitment to holding meetings throughout the year with government and civil organizations to strengthen coordination and exchange expertise. Additionally, the department organizes awareness lectures in schools to inform students about behaviors and risks that may threaten their safety and future.

He explained that these lectures cover several key topics, including bullying, cyber offenses, misuse of smartphones and smart devices, and drug abuse. The department also participates in exhibitions and events focused on children’s issues and works to develop the skills of its personnel through specialized training courses.

Al-Awadi affirmed that the Juvenile Protection Department is open to everyone, urging the public to save the hotline number 25589535, which operates around the clock to receive reports and facilitate communication with the department.

Regarding cybercrimes, he clarified that there is continuous coordination between the Juvenile Protection Department and the Cybercrime Department, as the latter is the competent authority for technical aspects related to smartphones and smart devices.

He added that cases involving a child or juvenile as one of the parties fall under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Protection Department, in coordination with the Cybercrime Department. Necessary procedures are completed after the case is referred to the department, prior to referring it to the competent authorities.

Al-Awadi stressed the importance of the family’s role in protecting children, monitoring their behavior, and educating them about risks. He emphasized that “children are a trust that must be preserved and cared for,” particularly in cases of family disputes and divorce.

He called on parents not to involve children in their disputes or burden them with the consequences, due to the potential psychological impact on them, stressing the necessity of providing a safe and stable family environment.

Parents were also urged to monitor their children, observe any changes in their behavior, pay attention to their surrounding environment, and supervise their use of smartphones, electronic devices, and social media applications, thereby helping to protect them from risks.

On the legal front, Al-Awadi clarified that a juvenile’s responsibility for actions committed is determined according to legal provisions, and the measures taken vary depending on the nature of the act. He emphasized the importance of educating children and parents about legal responsibilities and the consequences of violating the law.

He revealed a decline in the number of juvenile cases compared to 2025, stressing the need to continue awareness efforts and enhance cooperation between families and relevant institutions to protect children and curb behaviors that may threaten their future.