While nearly all South African children (over 95%) are onlin

• Published date: 19 April 2024
• Author: Alexander Molteno, Llandudno Primary School principal
• Publication title: Sentinel News

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...