IN light of Safer Internet Day commemorated today, February 7, Sparrow Trust aims to equip the community to protect, defend, and safeguard children from real-world threats and risky online interactions.

The purpose of the international day is to create safer and more responsible use of online technology. In South Africa, the day is spearheaded by the Films and Publications Board.

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In Amanzimtoti and surrounds, Sparrow Trust, a counter-human trafficking organisation, educates children, educators and caregivers with skills to navigate the online landscape responsibly through a series of workshops focusing on cyber safety, cyberbullying, online exploitation and human trafficking prevention.

The topics covered in the sessions highlight the current threats and tips on how to mitigate them through smart life and cyber choices.

On February 6, Sparrow Trust participated in the Amanzimtoti police station’s social crime prevention and Amanzimtoti Community Police Forum workshop at Ullovu Secondary School. Founding director of Sparrow Trust Estelle van Eeden said 600 learners were reached in two sessions that were conducted.

“Sergeant Nondumiso Mncwabe, together with the Department of Community Safety and Liaison volunteers, presented to grades 8 and 9 learners on bullying and cyberbullying, gender-based violence and the SAPS’ victim-friendly services. Constable Nkululeko Gwala and our team talked to Grade 10 and 11 learners on children in conflict with the law and cyber safety,” she said.

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Van Eeden added that the internet is an invaluable tool and resource for both children and adults, creating unprecedented opportunities. “However, our children must be equipped to navigate digital spaces, be taught their rights and responsibilities when using digital devices, and they need practical guidance on managing the ‘on-life’ they create every time they open a browser or download a new application,” she said.

Threats to a child’s overall safety and well-being through the use of the internet and smart devices is increasing exponentially. “It is imperative that adults have age-appropriate conversations with children to prepare them for the digital world, just as they are equipped to flourish in the ‘real world’. Parental oversight and parental control tools are not unreasonable measures and should not be considered as infringing on a child’s privacy or freedom. It is a caregiver’s right and responsibility, and when done in a balanced and cooperative way, can create opportunities to connect and build stronger relationships,” concluded Van Eeden.

For help on these issues, contact Childline on 116. To report explicit content or child-sexual-abuse material (child pornography) on the internet and social media, visit www.fpb.org.za.

For more information or to book an awareness workshop on human trafficking and exploitation, bullying and cyberbullying or substance abuse, email hope@sparrowtrust.co.za.

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