Nov 13, 2021 — In Eastern and Southern Africa, only 13% of children and young people have internet access at home. Although internet access may not be extremely common, online safety and security still remains more important than ever for those across the continent that do get online. Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, here is what you should know regarding online risks and why education on the subject is more important now than ever before.
Online risks
Despite the lack of internet access across Africa as a whole, more than 95% of children in South Africa do get access to the internet, according to the Disrupting Harm Study, which was commissioned by UNICEF. While this study found that children mainly use the internet to learn something new, complete schoolwork, or watch videos, there are a number of ways that using the internet can result in dangerous situations – and the statistics are concerning. In fact, the Disrupting Harm Study found that 70% of children used the internet without parental consent, 25% confirmed having added people to their friends list who they didn’t know in real life, and 18% have sent a photo/video of themselves to someone that they have never met in person. However, perhaps one of the biggest concerns of all is the risk of being sexually exploited while online.
The dangers of online predators
Adding a new contact seems innocent enough, though when children are adding people they’ve never met before, things can become dangerous rather quickly. Online grooming will often begin on popular games or apps, where online predators will then gain the trust of children through playing games and casual conversations. Due to the circumstances, children may easily believe they are talking to another child, and can become very trusting and open with whoever they’re talking to. This can lead to manipulation on the predator’s part, and can result in outcomes that involve sexual advances, or even kidnapping or burglary should they gain access to a home address. Because of this, it’s important that parents and children alike are aware of these dangers, and are educated on the importance of staying safe through tactics like simply not engaging with strangers online.
Education goals across the continent
While internet safety among children can start at home and in schools through an open dialog regarding the matter in general, other efforts are being made in order to bring more information on this topic. In recognition of Safer Internet Day, for instance, Google announced a $1M pan-African Google fund to help support innovative ideas surrounding privacy, trust, and safety for families online. The online safety programme, which goes by the name of Be Internet Awesome, was also recently launched in South Africa and Nigeria. This programme aims to help minors explore the internet in a safe way.
While the number of children using the internet isn’t nearly as big as in other parts of the world, the necessity for online internet safety is more important than ever.
