Adults urged to educate teenagers on internet safety risk

Kabarnet, Saturday, June 17, 23

KNA by Caroline Cherono 

Adults have been urged to guide teens on the pros and cons of the internet instead of instilling fear of its use since the world is now digital. 

Speaking during the International day of African child held at museum grounds in Kabarnet Baringo Central Sub-County, the Chief magistrate at the Kabarnet law court Judith Wanjala who was chief guest told parents to teach teens on the risks of utilizing and accessing the digital space and ways of ensuring safety.

"Our children can access harmful content online therefore it's paramount to inform them of their rights so that they are able to understand and not fall prey to predators hence be on the lookout for content that they need to avoid," Wanjala said.

Wanjala stated that the internet was quite beneficial for development and even schools are embracing digital learning, while government services were being digitized hence the need to embrace digitization.

Joseck Abwajo from the Office of Director of Public Prosecution in his address noted that resisting the internet is like resisting change and with it being the future, stakeholders ought to find a level ground to ensure that the African children are not left behind.

"Our children are our future just like the digital space is our future as one can earn from social media sites like TikTok, Facebook and YouTube therefore we should not discourage teenagers from accessing the internet," Abwajo said.

Abwajo also noted that during the Corona period, learning and accessing knowledge was possible through the use of the internet and schools that were digital with conventional teaching methods had an advantage unlike the rest hence the need to expose children but under supervision.

He added that many teens and adults are earning a decent living online through digital content creation therefore due to the changing times, kids of today ought to be exposed.

Baringo Central Sub-County Police Commander Christine Kola called upon adults to monitor their children’s activity on the internet warning that there were many predators online and this could lead to child abduction, defilement or even death.

"As an African child, you have a right to security therefore a safe environment. The internet has exposed children to many ills and teens need guidance on its use so parents should be keen and monitor them when using it," Kola said.

Kola added that in case of such eventualities, parents should report the cases to the Children's office or at the police station for help.

Dorothy Chebet from Elimu Kwanza Initiative Baringo chapter urged children to avoid sharing personal information on the internet as this exposes them to risks.

The event brought together various stakeholders and children from six neighbouring schools in Kabarnet town and girls were given sanitary pads.

The country commemorates the Day of the African Child, marked annually on June 16, and this year’s theme is 'The Right of a child in the digital environment'.

Courtesy ; K. N. A