Latest news with #MinistryOfSocialDevelopment
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Times of Oman
Ministry of Social Development launches child protection guide
Muscat: Acting in cooperation with the office of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Muscat, the Ministry of Social Development on Monday launched Oman's 'Child Protection Guide (CPG)' to enhance unified national response mechanisms. The guide's launch ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Laila Ahmed Al Najjar, Minister of Social Development. The CPG serves as a comprehensive practical reference aimed at supporting personnel operating in the field of child protection (including social workers, teachers and healthcare providers). It unifies concepts, simplifies referral procedures and enhances coordination among relevant stakeholders. This ensures rapid and effective intervention deemed necessary for child protection and furnishing a safe and supportive environment for children in the Sultanate of Oman. Sayyida Maani Abdullah Al Busaidi, Director General of Family Development at the Ministry of Social Development, said in a speech that the CPG constitutes a strategic step towards enhancing the integration of all national efforts for the protection of children, in addition to enabling national cadres to professionally respond to all cases of abuse, neglect and child exploitation. Practical measures For his part, Dr. Bilal Al Kiswani, Program Director at UNICEF Oman, said, 'The CPG embodies our collective commitment to take practical measures whenever children are exposed to any form of risks. It reflects the significance of partnership between the UNICEF and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman in building child protection systems.' The event included a dialogue session titled 'Next Steps and Training of Trainers Plan', run by Safia Abdullah Al Abri, Assistant Director of the Family Protection Department at the Ministry of Social Development. The session dealt with the CPG training plan, elaboration about general frameworks, basic concepts of the case management system and training on the system's stages of implementation.
RNZ News
14-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
More claim social development benefits during May
Unemployment is at 5.1 percent through May. Photo: JES2UFOTO Latest numbers show 27,243 more people received a benefit in May, compared to the year before. The Ministry of Social Development's monthly update shows the number of people on a benefit in New Zealand rose by just over seven percent to 403,311 in that time. The unemployment rate is 5.1 percent. Most of the increase is due to people accessing JobSeeker support - there was an 11 percent rise of just over 21,000, to a total 213,831. In May, 9.5 percent more people found work, compared to the same time last year, but eight percent more benefits were cancelled than a year ago - a total of just over 6000 - for other reasons, including sanctions. The Government aims to reduce the number of people on the Jobseeker Support benefit by 50,000 by 2030, introducing a traffic-light system and new non-financial sanctions , and changing the re-application for job seekers to every six months, instead of each year.
Times of Oman
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Oman participates in conference of states parties to CRPD in New York
New York — The Sultanate of Oman took part in the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), held during 10-12 June at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Oman's delegation to the conference was headed by Ambassador Omar Said Al Kathiri, Oman's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, and comprised representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs. In a speech delivered by Badr Fareesh Al Yahyaee, Assistant Director-General of the for Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Social Development, Oman highlighted its extensive efforts to support and empower persons with disabilities across all sectors. These efforts align with the provisions of the State's Basic Law, relevant national legislation, 'Oman Vision 2040" and the country's commitments under international conventions and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. Oman's address also outlined key achievements in the care and empowerment of persons with disabilities, including the draft law on the rights of persons with disabilities, which was formulated in accordance with the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Other milestones include the development of a comprehensive national guide for engineering standards and specifications for inclusive urban environments and accessible transportation, as well as the organization of the first National Forum for Persons with Disabilities in 2023, whose outcomes laid the groundwork for a dedicated lab to enhance services and programs for persons with disabilities. The Sultanate of Oman's emphasized the importance of raising public awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities as a shared responsibility, with active participation from persons with disabilities themselves. It also called for unified visions among all member states to achieve an accessible, barrier-free environment that fulfills their aspirations.
Times of Oman
09-06-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Experts warn of social media's silent strain on mental health
MUSCAT: While social media continues to revolutionise the way people communicate, mental health professionals in Oman are sounding the alarm on its less visible but deeply concerning psychological impact, especially on decision-making, emotional well-being, and cultural values. According to Dr. Basma bint Fakhri Al Said, a prominent mental health expert and PTSD trainer, the biggest danger lies in how digital content can subtly alter beliefs and perceptions over time. 'From anxiety-inducing comparisons to pressure-filled portrayals of 'perfect' lives, social media often pushes people towards poor decisions made under emotional stress,' she said. Dr. Basma emphasised that frequent exposure to unrealistic standards can fuel low self-esteem, detachment, and even social media addiction, which in some cases stems from unresolved childhood issues. She advised users to consult professionals for mental health concerns rather than relying on social influencers. 'People must be cautious not to equate follower count with credibility,' she said, calling for more awareness around psychological counselling and healthier online habits such as screen time limits and real-world social engagement. Samra bint Saeed Al Maashari, a psychologist at the Ministry of Social Development, acknowledged the positive side of social media in fostering virtual communities and promoting mental health awareness campaigns. 'These platforms can help individuals find support and a sense of belonging, especially those facing anxiety or depression,' she said. However, she warned that constant comparison, exposure to hate speech, and cyberbullying can undermine self-worth, disrupt sleep, and erode productivity. Samra pointed out that children are especially vulnerable to inappropriate content, and recommended a combination of time management, family interaction, and therapy — including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and group sessions — as effective measures to curb digital overdependence. 'Social media can shape a false virtual identity and distort reality, leading to emotional confusion and misinformed choices,' she added. Fatima bint Amer Al Sunaidi, a specialist in counselling and guidance at Sultan Qaboos University, stressed the influence of social media on social dynamics and interpersonal relationships. 'What began as a tool for connection has morphed into a medium that quietly shapes opinions, values, and decisions without users realising it,' she said. Fatima highlighted the psychological risks of prolonged exposure to negative or manipulative content and called for institutional efforts to promote digital literacy. 'To counter this growing influence, we must focus on media education and strengthen critical thinking and self-control,' she added. 'Only then can individuals learn to discern constructive content from harmful messaging.' All three experts agreed that while social media can be a platform for support and awareness, unchecked usage and blind acceptance of content pose serious risks to mental health and social harmony.
Times of Oman
09-06-2025
- Health
- Times of Oman
Experts highlight dual impact of social media on mental health and social behaviour
Muscat: Social media has become an integral part of daily life for many, significantly affecting mental health, social interactions, and individual behaviour, according to mental health professionals in Oman. Dr Basma bint Fakhri Al Said, a mental health expert and PTSD trainer, stated that social media can strengthen communication and emotional connection by allowing users to share achievements and form friendships based on common interests. She added that virtual communities can provide a supportive environment for individuals experiencing anxiety or depression, helping reduce feelings of loneliness and fostering a sense of belonging. However, Dr Basma cautioned against relying on follower counts when seeking psychological advice online. She stressed the need to consult qualified specialists and warned of the dangers of comparing one's life to others on social media, which can lead to anxiety and unhealthy usage patterns. To reduce dependency, she advised setting time limits, engaging in real-world activities, and seeking therapy to address deeper issues. Dr Basma also highlighted how over-reliance on digital communication can erode social skills, increase isolation, and promote unrealistic standards and values through certain types of content. She warned that such content could influence beliefs and behaviours, leading to poor decision-making and psychological stress. Samra bint Saeed Al Maashari, a psychologist at the Ministry of Social Development, emphasised the positive potential of social media as a platform for continuous communication, relationship building, and participation in social and cultural events. She said that it can enhance communication skills, foster friendships, and provide emotional support through shared experiences and virtual communities. Nonetheless, Al Maashari acknowledged the platform's darker side, including increased anxiety and depression due to social comparison, exposure to cyberbullying, and decreased self-esteem. Excessive use can also lead to sleep disturbances, reduced productivity, and the erosion of real-life interactions, particularly among children exposed to inappropriate content. She proposed several measures to reduce the impact of social media addiction, such as limiting screen time, engaging in offline hobbies and social activities, and avoiding negative content. She also advocated for psychological interventions, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy, and group support sessions, to help individuals regain balance and control over their digital habits. Al Maashari pointed out that social media can alter traditional social norms and behaviours, encouraging virtual over face-to-face interaction. She noted that exposure to consumerist and culturally conflicting content could distort values and self-image, especially when idealised lifestyles are portrayed online. Misinformation and the creation of false digital identities, she added, can further affect users' thinking and emotional wellbeing. Fatima bint Amer Al Sunaidi, a counselling and guidance specialist at the Student Counselling Centre at Sultan Qaboos University, highlighted how social media has reshaped the nature of relationships. She noted that while platforms reduce physical distances and facilitate communication, they have also led to the rise of virtual communities that offer social and psychological support. Al Sunaidi explained that these communities help reduce isolation and allow individuals to share personal experiences and feel understood. She emphasised the importance of mental health professionals providing scientifically sound content and using these platforms to raise awareness about mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress. She also underlined the risks of 'social comparison,' a psychological process whereby individuals evaluate themselves against idealised depictions of others' lives online. This, she said, often distorts self-perception and leads to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. Al Sunaidi called for increased digital awareness, especially among students, and urged educational institutions to promote critical thinking, authentic relationships, and balanced social media usage. She also highlighted the benefits of mindfulness practices, the role of families and schools in guiding responsible digital behaviour, and the need for psychological support units at universities. She warned that overuse of social media has escalated into behavioural addiction in many societies, impacting sleep, productivity, and emotional stability. While acknowledging the platforms' potential to promote values such as dialogue and tolerance, she stressed the need for responsible content creation, media literacy, and institutional efforts to safeguard psychological wellbeing. Al Sunaidi concluded that directed negative content—ranging from fake news and hate speech to unrealistic lifestyle portrayals—can manipulate public perception and influence decision-making. To counter this, she advocated for comprehensive media education, stronger critical thinking skills, and increased self-awareness to help individuals discern and resist harmful content online.
