Written by Alice Njoki.
As digital technology becomes a central part of children’s lives, questions around their safety online are more urgent than ever ,From learning platforms social media , children are navigating a digital world full of opportunity but also full of risks,
In response to growing concerns GSMA , UNICEF and MTN group launched “ Enhancing Child Protection in Sub-Saharan Africa whitepaper” which brought to light the importance of raising awareness among all stakeholders parents, teachers, children and industry players so everyone understands how to promote safe online environments.
There is a need for strong laws and policies at national and international levels, as well as digital literacy education, to prevent harm and empower children.
Nankali Backs from UNICEF emphasizes that while the internet offers great opportunities, it also brings serious risks such as sexual exploitation, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content. UNICEF’s approach is rooted in a systems-based framework that links online safety with broader efforts to prevent violence against children.
This includes updating laws to keep pace with new digital threats, training social workers to support affected children, and integrating digital safety into school curriculum and parenting programs and also pointed out that businesses have a responsibility to respect children’s rights and avoid causing harm. UNICEF has developed practical tools like the Child Rights Impact Assessment Tool for Digital to help companies evaluate and improve their digital products.
Online safety is not just about technology, it’s about people. Parents and caregivers play a huge role in protecting children. They need to be aware of the risks and learn how to use tools like parental controls and privacy settings. More importantly, they should have open, honest conversations with their children about what they do online, listening carefully and offering support.
Economic challenges can affect how well families protect their children. In some cases, children are exploited online by relatives who monetize their content. To address this, Mtoto News, funded by Safe Online, is implementing It’s A FACT! a pioneering, child-driven digital safety initiative.
This project empowers children to shape the conversation on online safety and digital literacy. In Kenya, Malawi, and Mali, children from marginalized, rural, and conflict-affected communities are trained as researchers. They document their online experiences, both positive and harmful, and identify real-world challenges they face on digital platforms. Through this process, children gain voice and agency, influencing national and continental policies on child online protection.
Their findings contribute to the development of Africa’s first-ever child-informed digital safety guide, ensuring that strategies and solutions reflect the lived realities of African children. It’s A FACT! goes beyond data collection, it amplifies children’s voices, equips them with essential advocacy skills, and places them at the heart of efforts to build safer digital spaces for all.