UAE: Mum Finds Obscene Massage Cards In 9-Year-Old's Bag

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Published: Thu 30 May 2024, 6:00 AM

Last updated: Thu 30 May 2024, 7:01 AM

A dentist residing in Deira, Dubai made a shocking discovery recently. Amina (name changed on request) found a stack of massage cards in her nine-year-old son's school bag. These cards, which advertise mostly unlicensed and illegal massage services, often have obscene photos of women and actresses.

“When I was cleaning my son's bag, I found about 30 massage cards in the bag's side pocket. I am sure that he did not have any bad intentions, but even a collection of such cards is unacceptable,” said the Dubai resident of 12 years.“I couldn't believe what I was seeing. My son is just a child – to find such explicit material in his possession was horrifying.”

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She said her son was distressed and unable to explain why he had collected the cards. It seemed like he was unaware of the inappropriate nature of the cards.

“When pressed further, he replied that he had seen a few children collecting these cards and he also wanted to have a collection,” said Amina.

In some neighbourhoods in Dubai, residents have been dealing with with obscene massage cards scattered on pavements, streets and residential areas.

The discovery made by Amina highlights how children are now exposed to these inappropriate images that objectify women.

“It's very scary that such material is easily accessible to children. As parents, we try to protect our children from inappropriate content,” said Ahmed, father of a 7-year-old boy.

Parents are discussing among themselves how to educate their children about the dangers of picking up unknown objects.“It's important that we talk to our children, explain to them why such content is inappropriate, and encourage them to report if they come across anything like this,” said Ahmed, a resident of Al Karama.

Psychologists advised parents to watch out for any behaviour change in their children. Children can present as being sad and reclusive, spending more time on devices at odd hours, showing sleep disturbances, and having academic problems.

“Children should be educated properly using the right (and age-appropriate) words on sexuality. They should be aware of the pitfalls of falling into these devastating experiences of early exposure to explicit content at such an early age. Parents can report to official authorities the menace of spreading of explicit content materials in public spaces,” said Dr George.

According to Dr Shaju George, specialist psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, exposure to anything unusual and inappropriate elicits two types of responses in children.“A state of distress with disturbed feelings or state of being curious about the situation. Inappropriate [situations] can elicit a feeling of disgust towards sexuality. Or, it can generate a curiosity that can take them to unhealthy practices to mitigate the same,” said Dr George.

Psychologists say that such childhood experiences can have long-lasting imprints on their perception of the world, personal life, male-female relationships and sexual behaviour.

Local authorities have been vigilant about this issue and have also imposed heavy fines for carrying out such activities. These cards are often left on car windshields, tucked into building entrances or simply strewn on the ground.

In November 2022, six million massage cards were seized across Dubai and several gangs were busted in the emirate and in Sharjah.

In August 2022, the Dubai Police seized 5.9 million business cards that advertise illegal massage services. As many as 870 people were arrested for offering illegal service in 2021 and the first three months of 2022. Of these, 588 were charged for violating public morals and 309 for printing and distributing the cards.

ALSO READ:

• Massage card scams on the rise in UAE: How cops are clamping down on the menace

• Dubai: Man lured into fake massage centre, robbed of Dh50,000 by gang of four

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