The Kingdom of Bahrain will observe for the first time the “International Safer Internet Day”, an international event observed by more than 70 countries round the world on 7th February, 2012.
The first meeting of the National Co-ordination Committee for this event was held with the participation of Zain Bahrain, Microsoft, Ministry of Education represented by the King Hamad Schools of the Future Project, Social Media Club Bahrain, Taawon IT Consultants and InSafe, the European organization that organizes this event.
“A number of parallel events will be held focusing on students, parents and educators and in this context our participation comes to underline the significance of promoting the safer Internet culture, especially for students and teenagers. The youngsters should be educated about wrong practices and misconduct online to ensure their safety and that of others. On the other hand, there are a number of practices that may seem simple and proper on the surface but at the same time they could have very serious social and legal consequences. It is our combined duty to be cautious and careful and must advice against engaging in such practices,” Ahmed Hasan, Director of King Hamad Schools of the Future Project at the Ministry of Education said.
“Zain Bahrain is committed always to the development of technology and the freedom of people to use new technology to improve the quality of their lives,” Corporate Communications Manager Samya Hussein, said.
“In sponsoring the Safer Internet Day, we believe we are sending the message that the internet, like all technology, holds immense promise, but we should all know the rules in order to stay safe and use it for the best reasons and results. All generations can benefit from the Safer Internet Day – it tells guardians and young people about the dangers and how to use the net safely and wisely.” She added, “Zain Bahrain is always keen on supporting such initiatives and promoting them for the good of everyone. We are committed to take interactive steps and to work together as a global community for furthering the safer Internet use,” she added.
“Microsoft has a long-standing commitment to online safety” said Racha Diwan, Marketing Manager, Microsoft Bahrain “We have been collaborating with several partners in the Kingdom of Bahrain including the Telecom Regulatory Authority, the Ministry of Education and active third sector organizations to help protect people online. As we continue to advance the frontiers of innovation in computing we are also working to make the computing experience safer and more secure.” She added: “The Internet is a shared resource, and helping to secure it is our shared responsibility. We are happy to collaborate today with an active group of like-minded organizations that work hand in hand towards implementing stronger security practices, raising awareness in our community and educating young people, educators and parents on the safe and conscious use of the internet”
“Our involvement in this event comes to underline the role of the Club to educate community groups and users of the worldwide web of the security threats and loopholes that we must be aware of, since we in the Kingdom of Bahrain have a very high Internet access level by Internet users. One of the key priorities of the SMC is to promote awareness of such risks. We are very pleased that the Kingdom of Bahrain joins the countries that observe this major international event with the support of Zain Bahrain and Microsoft,” Ali Sabkar, Social Media Club Bahrain Chapter President said.
“The event will include a wide range of activities that include awareness lectures, a seminar about “Internet risks and how to prevent them” and visits will be paid to schools for delivering lectures and distributing awareness leaflets. Other events include holding an exhibition, technical competitions and IT and educational advice,” Mahmood Al Mahmood, Chairman of the Safer Internet Day Organising Committee said.