Shura Council to discuss proposals restricting children's access to certain websites for up to 12 hours daily
New child reform measures being considered by the Shura Council would allow courts to block youngsters from certain websites for up to 12 hours a day and hand the Child Protection Centre stronger powers to track and support those under judicial supervision.
The proposals form part of a draft law to amend Bahrain's Reform Justice for Children and Protection from Maltreatment Law. The Council is expected to take up the matter on Sunday.
If passed, the changes would place the Child Protection Centre at the heart of decisions on judicial probation, giving it the role of coordinating with the Reform Justice Court.
This would be done either independently or, in some cases, alongside the relevant department in the Interior Ministry.
The aim is to keep closer tabs on children in the system and provide regular support for their families, with added focus on emotional and social well-being.
Measures
One of the measures would give judges the power to ban access to specified websites or social media platforms for between two and twelve hours per day.
This is intended to reduce the pull of online spaces that may lead to poor choices.
The restrictions would depend on the nature of the offence and the child's individual case.
Safeguards are included to ensure such blocks do not interfere with learning, work, or religious practice. The current law limits coordination to the court or child justice committee alone.
New version
Under the new version, the Centre would also work with the Interior Ministry's designated branch, allowing for greater follow-up and cross-checking of each child's case.
The Centre would be responsible for keeping track of progress before, during, and after probation, as well as supervising training or rehabilitation schemes.
The Interior Ministry would play a supporting role in putting measures into effect.
Together, the two bodies would form a practical working arrangement, designed to ensure that rulings concerning children are not left to drift. The Women and Child Affairs Committee has backed the draft law.
Principle It said the 2021 legislation was a move towards child-focused justice and praised the current proposals for keeping that principle intact.
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