Dubai Police has issued a serious warning about viral social media content encouraging people, especially children, to consume excessive amounts of energy drinks.
Officials from the Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigations said some online videos are chasing views and engagement without considering the potentially dangerous health consequences behind these trends.
Serious health risks highlighted
Dubai Police warned that excessive energy drink consumption can lead to major health complications, including:
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Convulsions
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden cardiac arrest
Authorities also stressed that children may face additional risks, such as:
- Poisoning
- Stomach disorders
- Increased anxiety and nervousness
- Poor concentration and memory
- Sleep problems
- High blood pressure and rapid heart rate
Parents urged to monitor online content
Police are urging parents to closely monitor the content children consume online and to educate them about the dangers of blindly following social media trends.
Officials warned that many viral videos are created purely to gain views, likes and interaction, often without regard for public safety.
Report harmful content
Dubai Police called on the public to report any online content promoting dangerous behaviour or threatening community safety through:
- The Dubai Police smart app
- The official eCrime reporting platform
- The non-emergency hotline 901
Awareness platform launched
As part of broader cyber safety efforts, Dubai Police also highlighted its electronic awareness platform, which guides users in both Arabic and English on:
- Cybercrime prevention
- Online fraud awareness
- Digital safety tips for families and businesses
The platform is aimed at children, parents, employees, business owners and social media users across the country.