Keeping our children safe in the digital age
You may think you are doing your child, cousin, sibling or that little one a lot of good by giving them an electronic gadget, perhaps to keep them occupied and stop them from disturbing you. But have you ever stopped to think about the dangers that may be waiting for them online? Maybe not. As […]
Giving children electronic devices, such as phones and tablets, can be beneficial for occupying them and preventing disruptions. However, it is crucial to consider the potential online dangers they may face. Parents and caregivers must be aware that when children are left unsupervised with these gadgets, they expose themselves to various risks.
A personal example involves a niece named Afia whose biological father reappeared in her life after her grandmother's passing. This father, who had not been part of Afia's life since she was born, began contacting her via phone calls and text messages, falsely claiming responsibility for her care. In an attempt to influence her, he began painting her mother in an unfavorable light.
Unfortunately, Afia, being naive, could have easily been swayed by these manipulative conversations. It seems plausible that this situation could have been avoided if proper supervision had been in place.
While it is natural for parents to want their children to be happy and content, especially during long vacations, they should not leave them unmonitored with electronic devices. Many parents are occupied with work and other responsibilities, making it increasingly common to hand over phones, tablets, and other gadgets to keep children occupied. But who is watching over what they are doing with these devices?
In 2020, the Cybersecurity Act (Act 1038) was enacted to protect children online. This legislation covers offenses including indecent images and photographs of a child, sexual abuse of a child, aiding and abetting in the sexual abuse of a child, cyberstalking of a child, and sexual extortion. It is vital for parents and caregivers to remember these provisions and take responsibility for safeguarding children who are exposed to the internet.
Educating children about the dangers of the internet and social media is essential. Parents should talk to their children about the platforms they use, explain the risks of communicating with strangers, clicking unknown links, and sharing personal or private information. It is also crucial to create an environment where children feel comfortable informing their parents if they encounter anything suspicious or uncomfortable online.
By providing guidance and supervision, parents can help their children navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Written by urgent.news from Adom Online's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
