Abu Dhabi enhances children’s mental health support with digital and community-centric approach

Abu Dhabi strengthens its mental health network for children and families by expanding digital support, launching a children’s mental health network, and addressing online pressures impacting young people’s wellbeing.

Abu Dhabi’s mental health network is increasingly being framed around children and families, as the emirate pushes support closer to homes, schools and the digital spaces where young people now spend much of their time. Dr Rashid Al Suwaidi, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, told Al Ittihad that childhood today is shaped not only by classrooms and family life, but also by online environments that can broaden learning while also creating new pressures.

According to the centre, the “Sakina” psychological support hotline has helped more than 1,725 children since launch, offering confidential advice and support around the clock. The service sits within a wider system of more than 143 specialised mental health facilities across the emirate, which officials say is intended to make help easier to reach when it is needed.

Al Suwaidi said children may not always be able to describe distress in words, but mental wellbeing affects learning, relationships, self-confidence and their sense of safety. He added that the risks can be heightened by early and frequent use of smartphones, with estimates suggesting about 72% of children aged 8 to 12 use them daily.

He also pointed to cyberbullying, social comparison and constant exposure to online content as pressures that can affect sleep, mood and school performance. The Department of Health in Abu Dhabi has separately said the 24-hour 800-Sakina hotline was activated to give the community immediate, confidential psychological support, while PureHealth has launched a children’s mental health network under the Sakina umbrella for those up to 18. Officials say the aim is to reduce stigma and encourage families to seek help earlier.