Tag Archives: Child Online Africa

Featured, Regional

7 Empowering steps to make the internet better

Maravi Post Reporter

7th February is 20th year of Safer Internet Day (SID). The Centre in Ghana and partners across the globe have undertaken a series of initiatives to make the internet a better place for people across Africa, especially children and young people.

Child Online Africa has partnered with some public sector agencies, private sector, Unions and non-governmental organizations across Ghana and Africa under the theme “Empowering the African Child on Safer Internet”.

According to a research publication by Statista.com in 2022; “Social media has a wide-reaching and significant impact on not only online activities but also offline behavior and life in general.

During a global online user survey in February 2019, a significant share of respondents stated that social media had increased their access to information, eased communication and contributed to freedom of expression.

On the flipside, respondents also felt that social media had worsened their personal privacy, increased a polarization in politics and heightened everyday distractions.”

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This goes without saying that everybody is aware of the positives and the negatives of connectivity and therefore an individual’s digital life should always be safeguarded.

This is why Africa Safer Internet Day partners want to focus on the needs of every individual who is accessing the digital space for various reasons.

Events taking place in 8 of the 16 regions of Ghana and other African countries today will focus on honing the digital skills of internet users.

Key concepts for discussion in all capacity building sessions have been categorized into 4 main areas:

  1. Understanding Your Presence on Digital Platforms.
  2. Taking Control of Your Digital Platforms.
  3. Securing Your Digital Platforms.
  4. Password hygiene.

These have been carefully selected to promote meaningful online experiences, making the internet a better place for all.

Additionally, here are self-paced courses for adults: Introductory, Intermediate, Policy Makers!

We appreciate the funding support from MTN Ghana, World Vision International Ghana, Meta-Africa, Africa Digital Rights Hub.

Child Online Africa and partners expect that by that by the end of the year, users of platforms will practice a higher level of cyber hygiene which can be based on the following steps.

  1. Set strong and unique passwords on all accounts.
  2. Choose private over public.
  3. Fake accounts could come bearing friend requests so learn to say “no”.
  4. The internet does not forget.
  5. Watch out for phishing scams.
  6. Review your tags.
  7. Protect yourself and your devices.

Security software can protect you from clicking on malicious links while on social media while steering you clear off other threats like viruses, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

We call on EVERYONE to participate in a discussion online with the #ASID2023 or #AfrikaSID or join an event near you.

Importance of Protecting Yourself Against Hackers

Source: Africa Feeds

Featured, Regional

7 Empowering steps to make the internet better

Maravi Post Reporter

7th February is 20th year of Safer Internet Day (SID). The Centre in Ghana and partners across the globe have undertaken a series of initiatives to make the internet a better place for people across Africa, especially children and young people.

Child Online Africa has partnered with some public sector agencies, private sector, Unions and non-governmental organizations across Ghana and Africa under the theme “Empowering the African Child on Safer Internet”.

According to a research publication by Statista.com in 2022; “Social media has a wide-reaching and significant impact on not only online activities but also offline behavior and life in general.

During a global online user survey in February 2019, a significant share of respondents stated that social media had increased their access to information, eased communication and contributed to freedom of expression.

On the flipside, respondents also felt that social media had worsened their personal privacy, increased a polarization in politics and heightened everyday distractions.”

– –

This goes without saying that everybody is aware of the positives and the negatives of connectivity and therefore an individual’s digital life should always be safeguarded.

This is why Africa Safer Internet Day partners want to focus on the needs of every individual who is accessing the digital space for various reasons.

Events taking place in 8 of the 16 regions of Ghana and other African countries today will focus on honing the digital skills of internet users.

Key concepts for discussion in all capacity building sessions have been categorized into 4 main areas:

  1. Understanding Your Presence on Digital Platforms.
  2. Taking Control of Your Digital Platforms.
  3. Securing Your Digital Platforms.
  4. Password hygiene.

These have been carefully selected to promote meaningful online experiences, making the internet a better place for all.

Additionally, here are self-paced courses for adults: Introductory, Intermediate, Policy Makers!

We appreciate the funding support from MTN Ghana, World Vision International Ghana, Meta-Africa, Africa Digital Rights Hub.

Child Online Africa and partners expect that by that by the end of the year, users of platforms will practice a higher level of cyber hygiene which can be based on the following steps.

  1. Set strong and unique passwords on all accounts.
  2. Choose private over public.
  3. Fake accounts could come bearing friend requests so learn to say “no”.
  4. The internet does not forget.
  5. Watch out for phishing scams.
  6. Review your tags.
  7. Protect yourself and your devices.

Security software can protect you from clicking on malicious links while on social media while steering you clear off other threats like viruses, ransomware, and phishing attacks.

We call on EVERYONE to participate in a discussion online with the #ASID2023 or #AfrikaSID or join an event near you.

Importance of Protecting Yourself Against Hackers

Source: Africa Feeds

Featured, Regional

Africa Safer Internet Day for 2023 launched

Maravi Post Reporter

The 2023 Africa Safer Internet day commemoration has been launched officially by its conveners. The virtual launch on Wednesday brought together several players in the digital sector.

Series of activities have now been lined up by conveners to create the needed awareness about safer internet for users especially children.

This year’s commemoration will take place on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 on the theme: “Empowering the African child on safer internet.”

In a statement, the convener of the In Africa Safer Internet Day, ChildOnline Africa said programs such as schools outreach, community outreach, parent forum, policy dialogue among others will be held in various African countries.

Anne Rachel Inne, the regional director for Africa International Telecommunication Union told participants during the virtual launch that Africa still has much potentials in utilising the benefits of the internet.

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“Africa remains the youngest continent to access the internet fully. Our digital infrastructure is young, and people cannot afford it even when there is access. Nevertheless, we still have the potential to score massive benefits as we have seen from using the internet in recent years especially during the pandemic,” she said.

According to her internet usage comes with safeguards that must not be ignored least it becomes harmful to users.

“We as stakeholders have an important role to play here today. What we must do is to help our young ones become aware and build their capacity to handle the challenges inherent in the digital world.

Also, we must create participatory opportunities to encourage their engagement because it is an advantage for the children to be able to share their thoughts and experiences online for us to understand better where we have got it right and where we have got it all wrong,” Inne said.

John Omo, African Telecommunication Union’s Secretary General in a speech also said despite the many benefits that comes with internet usage we celebrate, children are also exposed to many risks.

“For instance, according to a recent study, nearly half of all children aged 12 to 15 have experienced some form of cyberbullying, while one in five have been the target of severe bullying. In addition, the number of reported cases of online child exploitation has risen dramatically in recent years, with authorities reporting a rise of more than 600% in just five years,” he said.

According to him “the exposure to inappropriate or harmful content is also a growing concern, with studies showing that children are increasingly exposed to violent, pornographic, and hate-filled content online.”

Dr. Tulia Aukson, the speaker of Tanzania’s national assembly on her part stressed the need for affordable internet access so everyone can utilize its benefits.

“Widening and uplifting Africa’s Digital foundation to provide high quality and affordable internet access for many people is amongst the issues we should be open to discussing. The other issue within the digital sphere is the safety and security of our connections,” she said.

She also highlighted the increasing cases of cyber bullying and fraud that has impacted users of the internet and called for action in that area.

“Online scammers, phishing, cyberbullies, malwares, and internet addiction which has been confirmed to be predominant amongst every 1/3 high school and university students etc. just to name a few, are very common cyberthreats and results we come across.  This is simply because technology has intricately woven itself into almost every strand of our daily lives,” Auckson mentioned in her statement.

The Africa Safer Internet Day commemorations are being led by Child Online Africa and partners which has over the years helped to encourage children’s online safety across the continent.

Activists push for better protection for African children online

Source: Africa Feeds

Regional

Child Online Africa calls for an online safety lifestyle

Maravi Post Reporter
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Child Online Africa, a child advocacy organisation is calling for the adoption of online safety as a lifestyle.

In a statement to commemorate #NiceNetNovember, the group said such a posture will better protect users of the internet.

Since November 2015, Child Online Africa has been holding awareness and education campaign from the 1st of November through to the 30th of November with the aim of encouraging cyber hygiene dubbed Nice Net November (#NiceNetNovember).

“This initiative evolves over the years from just sharing safety tips daily to media engagements, workshops sessions, and unveiling of eSafety resources. Each year, we lookout to reach at least 5000 people with relevant eSafety tips,” the statement noted.

In line with its long-term campaign of promoting digital citizenship targeted at training and promoting young people’s (by extension the general public) responsible and ethical use of the digital platforms, COA is dedicating this year’s #NiceNetNovember to throwing a spotlight on the menace of Child betting among other vices against children.

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November 2022 is set to see a surge in sporting activity especially in the world of football as the World Cup tournament kickoff is in less than 30 days.

“Ordinarily, sporting activities should present a good opportunity for purposeful recreational experience of children. However, a worrying trend of child betting and its associated illicit activities continue unabated with little or no regulation or enforcement of laws to check these,” the statement signed by its executive director, Awo Aidam Amenyah said.

Alarmed over the fact that the cyberspace is getting awash with hyper bonanzas, which have the tendency of creating fertile grounds for cyber-attacks on minors Child Online Africa is asking for the following measures to be rolled out:

  1. We call on the Gaming commission to scale up enforcement of relevant laws which discourage children from the business of sports betting. Section 48 of the Gaming Commission Act, Act 721 on Children states that. “A person responsible for a gambling machine shall not permit a child to use the gambling machine or to enter a place where the gambling machine is operated”. This provision of the law and all other relevant ones ought to be given special attention in order to effectively deal with Child betting.
  2. We urge the government and legislature to consider urgent policies and laws that will further reform the gaming sector. Gaming has taken on new shape in the wake of technological advancement hence the need for an ‘upgrade’ in the law.
  3. Parents Should also take keen interest in children’s Health and Well-being online focusing on building the attitudes, skills, values and knowledge that help children become aware of how digital technology can positively or negatively influence their body and mind. This will afford them the opportunity to be entertained while avoiding the pitfalls on the Internet.

“As a child-centered organization we intend to leverage on our #NiceNetNovember to create more awareness and to sustain the advocacy for putting an end to Child betting,” it concluded.

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Child Online Africa launches safety guide for families

Source: Africafeeds.com

Source: Africa Feeds

Regional

Child Online Africa launches ‘Bada Labari’ Campaign

Maravi Post Reporter

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The child advocacy organization, Child Online Africa has announced the launch of its latest campaign dubbed ‘Ba da Labari’ – the Hausa word for storytelling.

In a statement the group said the campaign is “part of its advocacy strategy to structure communication about its subject matter interest that generates attention.”

The organization said it wants to tell stories using a unique presentation format that will allow stakeholders and participants to have a more enjoyable event whilst streaming the content to live audience.

Ba da Labari is the Hausa phrase for storytelling, helping to better represent an “informal conversation format with personal and interactive discussion involving a moderator and guest.”

It said “this style allows the audience space to gain insights into the guest’s personal stories and thoughts on various topics on Child Online Protection across Africa.”

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Child Online Africa explained that this latest concept of communication “is heavily inspired by the fireside chats where a series of evening radio addresses were given by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, between 1933 and 1944.”

Since the 1930s there have been several technological advancements in the area of communication. There are videos, email, the internet, and so many other means of communication.

Child Online Africa said “despite these changes, a fireside chat’s purpose remains the same — to make everyone feel relaxed and leave the audience with more information than they had before. The fireside chat will be used to address the critical issue of Child Online Protection and we need to ensure that our audience can trust and see a real person, to make the impact required.”

It is hoping its latest communication campaign will create excitement, share useful information with our audience, reduces pressure on guests ad create closer connections between guest and audience.

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The group will be projecting the Hashtag #BDL to form the online community unique conversations identity to make the storytelling an ongoing activity online even after an event.

“It will have a country-name to identify where the story is coming from. Eg: #BDLGhana,” the statement said.

Ivorian TV presenter suspended for asking guest to simulate rape

Source: Africafeeds.com

Source: Africa Feeds

Regional

Africa’s digital leaders empowered on online habits

Maravi Post Reporter

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Young people who participated in the 2021 edition of the Africa Digital Leaders Programme have been empowered on the best habits to exhibit while online.

The Africa Digital Leaders Programme, initiated by the Child Online Africa is a hybrid fellowship programme targeting young leaders between the ages 8-16year old.

It is aimed at building the skills and capacity of participants to interact with technology responsibly and be able to minimize risks and maximize opportunities that may come along with their engagements online.

In a statement Child Online Africa said “We know children and young people are excited by the use of technology and most of them get committed to the point of addiction if they do not know the rules of balance.”

“Coupled with the fact that children and young people are left out of the discussion regarding internet governance, at COA we believe the earlier young people know and understand their way around technology the better the future could be shaped for Africa.”

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Experts in the tech-industry say it is important people take their personal safety online seriously and engage in habits that also do not violate the rights of others.

CEO of Innovare Ltd, C.K Bruce said for people to be cyber secured, they would need to have a change of behaviour.

For Bruce institutions and organizations would have to take lead roles in that behaviour change agenda.

He warned people against exposing their digital presence through geo-tagging saying he finds it “so worrying some” adding that “we need to be responsible. We need to ensure that we are not just doing things for doing sake.”

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Bruce encourage young people to take up training programs on online safety and good behaviour online to better protect themselves and also develop a career path.

An information security associate, Desmond Israel highlighted the need for internet users on social media to be wary of cyberbullying, hacking, fraud and scams and fake news.

He stressed the need for young people to build a responsible digital identity while online saying “if you go insulting people on Facebook, one day you will see them in real life. One day you will see on panels when you go for interviews.”

Israel also advised people to be careful about the amount of information they put on the internet to avoid being vulnerable when those information are later used against them.

Having strong passwords and improved online security to avoid falling victim to hackers was also highlighted by Israel.

The fellowship programme takes into consideration the peculiar needs and situation in Africa in its implementation.

Child Online Africa said it hopes the programme “will give the opportunity to the African Child to hone his/her skills in preparation for the 4th Industrial Revolution takeover.”

Opinion: Embracing the Challenge – A Case for Africa’s Bright Future

Source: Africafeeds.com

Source: Africa Feeds

Regional

Child Online Africa founder receives philanthropy award

Maravi Post Reporter

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Ghanaian Child rights advocates, Awo Aidam Amenyah has been recognized for her works in advancing the protection of the rights of children.

The founder of Child Online Africa, a pan-African non-profit organization has for over a decade now been fighting for the safety of children online.

At Ghana’s national philanthropy awards event in the capital Accra, Amenyah and fifteen others were recognized for their works in various fields.

A citation for the award winners read that it goes “goes to individuals, foundation or organizations with a proven record of exceptional generosity and demonstrated outstanding civic and philanthropic responsibility, and whose efforts encourage others to become philanthropic leaders”.

Amenyah expressed delight at the recognition and said she dedicated the award to “every African child who is online, partners and cheerleaders.”

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“I am because of them,” added said.

Amenyah’s organization has been at the fore front pushing for an end stigma against young girls when it comes to menstruation.

She believes ending such a menace will encourage more girls to go to school and engaging in other social activities.

Child Online Africa has consistently demanded for reforms across Africa to make the internet safer for children.

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This year Amenyah led her group to launch an Online Safety guide for the Family.

This document is to offer a range of information from a number of different sources, including the information for children and parents since they are the gate keepers of children most often.

According to Child Online Africa the Online Safety guide for the Family is helpful document that will aid in starting the cyber safety awareness conversation while educating more Ghanaian parents on where to report threats associated with the use of the internet without compromising on simple and practical solutions for the purposes of parental guidance.

The group’s annual campaign dubbed #NiceNetNovember is held every November since 2016, devoted to activities that reinforce awareness creation for child online safety effort.

The Nice Net Campaign for this year was heralded by the Hike for the child online campaign.

The campaign which is a charity cause was an initiative to spark up the discussion and support for safety and well-being of children across Africa, and was climaxed by the 3rd Child Online Protection Forum.

Child Online Africa launches safety guide for families

Source: Africafeeds.com

Source: Africa Feeds

Regional

ATU Day: Child Online Africa calls for implementation of e-skills framework

Maravi Post Reporter

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Child Online Africa and its partners have announced their commitment to African Telecommunications Union and ICT day celebration by calling for a comprehensive implementation of e-skills framework with all stakeholders involved.

In a statement they said “Africa needs to catch up with the rest of the world in the uptake of 4IR technologies such as AI, Big Data cannot be over emphases.

Augmented Reality and Robotics that are globally revolutionizing all economic sectors and increasing efficiency, productivity, and value.”

The African Telecommunications Union and ICT day celebration which is now in its 44th year, is to prepare Children, Young people and Adults alike for the future markets.

Child Online Africa said the celebration “continues to build momentum and impact with the ultimate goal of providing all African business entities, government agencies, colleges and universities, non-formal associations, civil society organizations and individuals committed to this year’s ATU day theme of ‘Digital Skills Development for Africa’s Digital Transformation”.’ which encourages all these stakeholders to prioritize e-skills through the adoption of ATU’s e-skills framework.”

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Awo Aidam Amenyah, executive director, Child Online Africa said “Africa cannot function effectively in the era of 4IR and other emerging technologies without e-skills. The absence of these skills will be a barrier to growth, employment, and social inclusion in Africa.”

“Cybersecurity is an important skill for the success of all businesses and organizations. COA is proud to be associating with this call to emphasize the need for e-skills and encourage industry to be involved in curriculum design, mainstream e-skills development in education from Kindergarten right up in Africa, then put systems in place which will protect, prevent and activate proactive change in safeguarding the wellbeing of children and women when the need arises,” she added.

About the ATU day

On 7th December 1977, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the 12th Session of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government established the Pan-African Telecommunications Union (PATU) as a specialized agency of the African Unity (now the African Union) in the field of telecommunications/ICTs.

PATU would later change its name to the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) on 7th December 1999. Ever since 7th December, also known as ATU Day/African Telecoms/ICT Day has been set aside to commemorate the establishment of the Union. This year, we celebrate ATU Day 2021 under the theme, “Digital Skills Development for Africa’s Digital Transformation”. https://www.atuuat.africa/.

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For more information about ATU day 2021, visit https://www.atuuat.africa/event/ministerial-forum-to-commemorate-atu-and-ict-day/ . You can also follow and use the hashtag #ATUday on social media.

Source: Africa Feeds

Regional

Ghana launches ‘Hike For the Child Online’ Campaign

Maravi Post Reporter
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Child Online Africa (COA) in Collaboration with the Head of State Award Scheme – Ghana has launched an online safety campaign called ‘Hike for the child online’ campaign.

Launched on October 22, 2021, the charity campaign is an initiative to spark up discussion and support for the safety and well-being of children online in Africa.

The first edition of the initiative in 2019 witnessed the Executive Director of the Child Online Africa (COA) embarking on an expedition to the summit of Kilimanjaro, the highest and tallest mountain in Africa and the only free-standing mountain in the world.

This year’s edition which will be a combination of exploration, research at the Shai Hills Game Reserve and a hiking to the summit of Mountain Afadja, tallest mountain in Ghana located at in the Volta Region of the country from October 22, 2021.

The organizers say this year’s edition will bring a whole new exciting experience to the campaign as over 100 young Gold Award participants of the Head of State Award Scheme carry out an exploration and research activity at the Shai Hills, Princess Town and Lake Bosomtwi concurrently as part of their 2021 Gold Award Challenge.

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There will be group works and discussions as well as project presentations on Why we need to protect children online. These discussions are going to be happening at stated 3 different Regions concurrently where mobile phone ownership among individuals of age 5 and older stands at 73.7%, 47.4% and 54.5% respectively according to the Household Survey on ICT in Ghana by the National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana.

It is also expected a group of young professionals and managers from different field of professions will take on the challenge of hiking and camping with the stars at the summit of Afadjato in the Volta Region.

The landmark partnership between Child Online Africa (COA) and the Head of State Award Scheme (HOSA) is in furtherance of the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) as continuum to the Child Online Protection campaign across Africa.

With the hashtag #OnlineSafety4Gold, we hope this campaign will raise the necessary awareness on the need to have all stakeholders handy and involved in the efforts being made in Africa to keep children safe while they are online.

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Source: Africa Feeds

Regional, Technology

Africa Week of Action for Child Online Protection launched

Maravi Post Reporter

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The African Telecommunication Union (ATU) and Child Online Africa (COA) will host the first ever Africa Week of Action for Child Online Protection (AWA4COP) that will focus on rallying African countries to keep the momentum and continue creating awareness on Child Online Protection in order to safeguard the well-being, integrity, and safety of African children online.

This week of action will run from 7th to 11th June 2021 under theme, Make Child Online Protection Visible.

The Child Online Protection (COP) Initiative is a multi-stakeholder network launched by the International Telecommunication Union (a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for all matters related to information and communication technologies) that brings together children, parents and educators, stakeholders in the ICT industry and policymakers, to create a safe and empowering online experience for children and young people around the world.

In explaining the significance and the urgency of the campaign, ATU Secretary General Mr. John OMO highlighted the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased use of digital technologies and internet by African children which in turn has led to increased exposure of our children online making them more vulnerable.

“Now more than ever, our African children are vulnerable to online criminals and offenders creating an urgent need for protecting them. It is for this reason that we want to work with African countries to ensure child online protection,” he said.

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Starting this year, the Africa Week of Action for Child Online Protection (AWA4COP) will be an annual campaign that will be taking place every 2nd week of June.

For this inaugural campaign, Child Online Africa and the African Telecommunications Union will work together to rally the Civil Society and the Non-Governmental Organizations to join them in this call to action.

Speaking about the campaign, Mrs. Awo Aidam Amenyah, Executive Director of Child Online Africa urged stakeholders to participate and support the campaign as the results will contribute to the realization of Agenda 2030, Agenda 2040, Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Digital Transformation strategy for Africa on the back of the historic General Comment 25 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which reinforces Children’s rights in the digital world.

“This campaign is in line with ATU and COA’s broad vision of ensuring the wellbeing of the African child. The initiative has practical tools to assist stakeholders such as African Governments, teachers and parents in addressing concerns of African children in the digital world,” she said.

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Among other things, the initiative also promotes digital skills on online safety for children and young people and empowers them with knowledge on how to exercise their rights online as well as manage online risks.

For this inaugural campaign, Child Online Africa and African Telecommunication Union are urging African countries to consider the Child Online Protection Guidelines as a solid foundation on which the Governments can develop inclusive, multi-stakeholder national strategies for online child protection. Among the recommendations ATU and COA are urging African Governments to consider, include:

  • Develop a national strategy for Child Online Protection to include actions to be taken against perpetrators of violence and abuse of children.
  • Build capacity for frontline workers regarding online-related risks.
  • Initiate a multi-stakeholder approach for country-level implementation of strategies.
  • Ensure a dedicated and easy-to-use channel for reporting incidents and counselling.
  • Commit resources to the various sectors of Child Protection to mainstream Online Safety concerns while making it effective.
  • Listen and respond to the voices of those affected.

Create an enabling environment for individuals and civil society to voice their concerns and seek redress in matters of child online abuse.

Activists push for better protection for African children online

Source: Africa Feeds