Young women taught about social media responsibilities

Girls aged between 12 and 23 are taking part in the six-week-long media education programme set up by the National Competencies Foundation after its executive director saw her young brother using social media incorrectly.

From left: Emirati Nada Obaid, 12, Egyptian Rawan Hagras, 16, Emirati Moza Alshamsi, 12, Iraqi Hajer Alanzi, 23, Emirati Alia Helal, 13, Hedaya Al Ali, National Talent general manager, and Emirati WasShow more

UMM AL QUWAIN // Twenty girls and women are receiving instruction in how to use ­social media responsibly while learning about the role the ­media plays in society.

The participants, aged between 12 and 23, at the Falaj Al Mualla Girls Centre are taking part in the six-week media education programme set up by the National Competencies Foundation after its executive director witnessed her younger sibling using social media ­inappropriately.

Emirati Hedaya Al Ali, a nursery teacher who started the foundation, saw her 12-year-old brother commenting on TV programmes on Snapchat without having any real knowledge of the subject matter. This experience prompted her to start the media education programme.

“We needed an educational programme on how to use all kinds of media in a moral way and to avoid making the mistakes that many do,” she said.

The participants were taught about news writing, the important role that journalists play and smart use of social media. They also visited media institutions in UAQ, Ajman and Sharjah.

Emirati Moza Al Shamsi said the lessons had taught her how to use social media in a positive way. “I learnt that there are many rumours and we should not believe everything we read or watch. We should be careful about what we write and, if I want to write about something, I have to write it accurately and reliably,” said the 12-year-old.

Nada Obaid Al Alelee, also 12, said that the programme made her realise that media education was important because everyone has a responsibility.

“We should have a responsibility when we receive or send news or information, and covering the news should be done in the right way.”

Iraqi law student Hajar Mahmoud participated because the programme title had grabbed her attention.

“I never before found anyone talking about media education. We need to be educated on credibility while using media, whether we are users or work in the field,” the 23-year-old said.

“Before I thought that media was simple and easy, but through this programme I discovered the opposite.”