MUIS to strengthen safeguards for children and youth through common framework across mosques

These audits will review physical safety measures such as visibility, lighting, CCTV coverage and signage, while reinforcing safeguarding practices across mosque premises”, said MUIS.

The new framework builds on existing governance and safeguarding measures already implemented across mosques, including requirements for ARS-certified asatizah to conduct formal religious classes and registration requirements for external religious groups, the council said.

Other current measures include CCTV coverage and access controls where appropriate, safeguarding training for educators and staff, supervised children’s activities, and an existing incident management and reporting framework.

STRENGTHENING EDUCATION

The council also plans to provide “practical, age-appropriate guidance” for children and youth on how to protect themselves.

“Protective behaviour learning inserts have been introduced for aLIVE students to help them recognise unsafe or inappropriate behaviour, know how to respond and report concerns to a trusted adult,” said MUIS, referring to its teaching programmes for young Muslims. 

“Age-appropriate infographics will also be shared with students to reinforce these messages,” it added.

Parents will also be engaged through awareness resources and existing touchpoints, said MUIS.  

“These resources will help parents to recognise warning signs, speak openly with their children about personal safety, navigate online risks and know where to report concerns or seek support.”

The education materials were developed with input from the Islamic Education Workgroup, said MUIS.

Through the workgroup, teachers will be trained to recognise safeguarding concerns, respond appropriately to disclosures or incidents and follow the relevant reporting and escalation procedures, it said.

“Other Islamic education centres and providers will be encouraged to adopt these resources and practices within their programmes.”

MUIS added that online portal Learnislam.sg and IEWG members would share posters on their respective social media platforms to amplify outreach efforts.