Emma Sadleir, a leading social media law expert in South Africa, visited Farrarmere Primary School recently to discuss how children are engaged in social media and what parents and guardians should be made aware of.
With many people still navigating their way around digital platforms, such as social media and online gaming, the youth have taken well to these platforms … some may argue a little too well perhaps.
Sadleir specialises in educating and advising corporates, employees, schools, universities, parents and educators on the legal, disciplinary and reputational risks of social media.
According to her, a smartphone is a very powerful device, one that any person younger than 13 years old should not possess.
https://soundcloud.com/benoni-city-times/emma-sadleir-social-media-education
Sadleir said social media has been listed as an addiction and because of its influence individuals should be aware of the following:
Social media is immediate, public and permanent and screenshots have “changed the game” because of its ability to make something permanent and shared easily to other recipients.
Major concerns discussed on the night were sexting, cyberbullying, online predators, catfishing (a person taking up a fake identity and portraying the fake identity on social media) and reputation management.
Sadleir warned without regulation from parents and guardians children can be exposed to many online dangers and that content can become public thus damaging very easily.
Children can be intertwined in a world that is manipulative and damaging.
Adults too can cause reputational harm to themselves.
Section 14 of the Constitution (right to privacy) falls away should the matter be in the public interest, for example, racist comments made on your smart device that another individual around you becomes aware of.
Along with the concerns, Sadleir spoke about legal considerations when posting content on social media.
These included: defamation, hate speech, crimen injuria (injury to someone’s dignity, caused by racist language or gestures), confidentiality, sextortion (being extorted because someone has sexual content of you and threatens you with it), image-based violence and sexual offences.
“Look after your social CV.
“Remember the power of the screenshot.
“You may think you’re on a social group with only a few people but once you post something damaging it could result in potential employers refusing you because of the reputational harm,” she said.
Sadleir spoke on criminal capacity and stated children as young as 14 years old can be tried in court at full criminal capacity.
ALSO READ:
Art has the power to influence our mood
A reminder of the criminal implications of child pornography and showing pornography to a minor was given to the audience.
“Being popular on Instagram is like being rich in Monopoly.
“Before posting ask yourself if you would want police, parents, your principal or prospective universities and employers to see the content.
“Remember, if you would not put it up on a billboard do not send it to social media,” she concluded.
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.
