By Doris Kathia
The digital space is increasing, and the internet has become an integral part of providing an opportunity to improve education, communication, and entertainment, fostering creativity. However, the digital space has its dark side, posing severe risks to the safety of our children. During the extended holiday season, it is crucial to address the pressing issue of child online safety.
The internet provides us with great opportunities, but there is also a downside full of risks, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, privacy breaches, and the horrifying threat of online sexual exploitation. These dangers can result in severe emotional and psychological trauma, affecting a child’s development and future. For a long time, cyberbullying has been a persistent issue, with more than a third of young people in 30 countries reporting experiences of online harassment. The effects of such bullying are severe, leading some children to skip school and even to self-harm. Additionally, the rise of hate speech and violent content online further exacerbates this problem, creating a hostile environment that can damage a child’s mental health.
In the recent past, we have witnessed rampant privacy breaches by tech companies, who harvest data for marketing purposes, further endangering children who are exposed to online spaces. For instance, aggressiveness, targeted advertising can lead to excessive screen time, negatively affecting a child’s development and health. Over and above, the most alarming concern is the threat of online sexual abuse and exploitation. The internet has provided a space for the sinister activities of child sex offenders, allowing them to contact potential victims, share abusive imagery, and even livestream sexual abuse.
The Kenyan government has taken steps to address and safeguard child safety online. The Ministry of ICT, Innovation, and Youth Affairs, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has initiated efforts, including creating awareness campaigns, capacity building for teachers and parents, and the development of guidelines for child protection online. For instance, Kenya enacted the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act of 2018, which addresses various forms of cybercrime, including those affecting children. This act criminalizes activities such as child pornography, online child grooming, and the dissemination of harmful content to minors. It also establishes penalties for offenders, aiming to deter and punish those who engage in illegal activities that endanger children online.
Additionally, in 2019, the Kenyan government launched the Child Online Protection Policy to provide a comprehensive framework for safeguarding children in the digital space. This policy aims to protect children from online risks, promote responsible online behavior, and establish mechanisms for reporting and responding to incidents. It also emphasizes collaboration among government agencies, technology companies, educators, and civil society organizations to ensure effective implementation.
Parents play a crucial role in safeguarding their children’s online experiences. Open communication and education are critical to empowering parents to protect their children online. During this long holiday, parents must maintain a trusting relationship with their children and encourage them to share any concerns or uncomfortable experiences encountered online. Parents must actively monitor their children’s internet usage, setting appropriate boundaries and utilizing parental control tools to ensure they create a safer online environment for their children.
The Kenyan government needs to intentionally implement and enforce strict regulations concerning the protection of children online. These include holding tech companies accountable for data privacy, age-appropriate content, and safety features on their platforms. There is also a need to collaborate with non-governmental and international organizations to share best practices that can be invaluable in creating a safer online environment.
On the other hand, for those children who have experienced online violence, abuse, or exploitation, it is essential to provide them with access to counseling and support services. These experiences can have a lasting impact on their mental health, and timely intervention can make a significant difference.
Finally, we must acknowledge that ensuring child safety online requires collective efforts from parents, teachers, government entities, and technology companies. By working together and continually adapting to the evolving digital landscape, we can create a safer online environment for Kenyan children, nurturing their growth and protecting their innocence in the digital space.
Ms. Kathia is a communications specialist and SRHR Youth Advocate at NAYA Kenya. doriskathia@gmail.com
