Alexander Molteno, Llandudno Primary School principal
While nearly all South African children (over 95%) are online, a recent Unicef study also reveals a disturbing reality: one-third face potential online violence, exploitation, and abuse.
Imagine an 11-year-old receiving unwanted sexual messages or accidentally stumbling upon graphic content – this is the harsh reality faced by many South African children navigating the digital world.
The Disrupting Harm Study commissioned by Unicef paints a concerning picture. While the internet offers a wealth of opportunities for learning and connection, it also presents significant risks for children. The study highlights several alarming trends.
70% of children use the internet without parental consent, and a quarter connect with strangers online. This lack of supervision and awareness leaves them vulnerable to cyber bullying, online predators, and other forms of exploitation.
Social media and online platforms can be a minefield for inappropriate content. 67% of children who encountered sexual images did so unintentionally. This accidental exposure can have lasting negative impacts on a child’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
Despite these dangers, only 41% of children surveyed had received any formal education on online safety. This lack of knowledge equips them poorly to navigate the complexities of the online world.
The digital landscape isn’t inherently harmful, but it demands a proactive approach to ensure our children’s safety. Here’s what we can do:
• Familiarise yourself with the latest online threats and discuss them with your children in an age-appropriate manner.
• Resources like those from ReachOut, an online mental health toolkit (https://au.reachout.com/) can be a helpful starting point.
• Utilise parental control tools and establish ground rules for online behaviour. Discuss the importance of online privacy and responsible communication.
• Create a safe space where children feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, concerns, and any inappropriate content they encounter.
• Teach children to be discerning about the information they find online and to be wary of unsolicited contact or communications from strangers.
Fortunately, many organisations, such as Save the Children International, provide valuable online safety information for parents and teachers.
Let’s work together to make the internet a safer space for our children. Consult resources from reputable sources such as UNICEF for what you need to know to empower your child to navigate the digital world with confidence.
Unicef’s recent study serves as a wake-up call for South African parents.
But by working collaboratively – as parents and teachers – we can create a safer online environment for our children. Let’s commit to taking action today to safeguard their digital future.
