Dubai: Dubai is set to introduce consumer protection lessons in schools through a new initiative called “Little Consumer”, aimed at helping children understand their basic rights and make smarter choices while shopping.
The initiative will be launched at the beginning of the next academic year and will use simple, age-appropriate workshops to introduce students to the basics of buying and selling.
Children will learn simple shopping habits
Ahmed Ahli, Acting Director of Consumer Protection at the Dubai Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Establishment, said the initiative is designed to turn consumer protection into everyday habits rather than teach children complicated legal concepts.
Students will learn simple but important practices such as keeping purchase receipts, checking expiry dates and verifying prices before completing a purchase.
The programme will also encourage children to ask questions and understand that consumers have rights and responsibilities.
Free booklet to support students
As part of the initiative, authorities are preparing a free student booklet titled “Little Consumer”.
The booklet is currently undergoing approval and printing and will be used during school workshops. It will explain basic consumer protection principles through simple examples and situations that children can relate to when shopping with their families.
Officials hope the booklet will allow students to revisit what they learn in workshops and gradually turn the information into regular habits.
Around 90 school workshops planned
Authorities plan to conduct around 90 workshops in schools during the second half of the next academic year.
Consumer Protection teams will visit participating schools and interact directly with students. The sessions will include questions, practical examples and discussions rather than simply presenting information.
The initiative builds on workshops held during the summer in cooperation with Modhesh City, where children took part in regular sessions about shopping and making careful purchase decisions.
Focus remains on protecting consumers
The new school programme comes as Dubai continues to monitor retail outlets during its annual Back to School campaign.
During a recent inspection at Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Consumer Protection officials checked whether retailers were complying with rules covering prices and promotional offers and protecting consumers from unclear pricing or misleading discounts.
By introducing consumer awareness at an early age, Dubai hopes to help children become more confident and informed consumers as they grow.