A seminar organised by Knowledge Oman focussed on the controversial topic of cyberbullying and Oman’s legal system.

The public seminar was held at the Public Authority for Civil Aviation Training Centre with the support of the Ministry of Education and saw a big number of attendees from various schools, government dignitaries and several professionals from the industry.

Speakers and panelists from the Public Prosecution, Royal Oman Police and Information Technology Authority defined cyberbullying, shared stories experienced in Oman and provided mechanisms that parents and teachers can follow in order to avoid and combat online bullying.

“We are thrilled at the response from the community and are very pleased that our efforts to educate the public on cyberbullying have been widely accepted. We are certain that the outcome of the seminar will help parents be at ease, teachers be more aware and children be safe too,” said Balqees Suleiman al Hassani, Knowledge Oman vice president.

The seminar also discussed the severity levels of crimes, punishments, steps and considerations of investigating a crime.

Speakers also covered some of the positive and negative uses of modern technology, and different forms of cyberbullying, real life stories of cybercrimes, ways of prevention and appropriate channels for reporting on cases.

Furthermore, the seminar also addressed the impact of cyberbullying globally with specific focus on Oman where the attendees had the opportunity to ask questions directly and learn from the authorities and specialists concerned.

The panel discussion was moderated by Dr Aamal Ambusaidi, an experienced psychiatrist and life coach.

The venue was packed with parents and teachers who were selected out of hundreds of registrations made online for the seminar.

Hilal al Sinani, vice president of CSR and Public Relations of Oman LNG, was the guest of honour, along with Sheikh Abdullah al Harthi, co-founder of CloudAcropolis, as the chief guest.

The seminar was arranged by Knowledge Oman in cooperation with private and public organisations as part of the platform’s commitment for delivering knowledge-based events for the society’s enrichment.

Knowledge Oman’s next seminar will focus on human capability development that would help support employment in the sultanate.