Unicef SA reveals children’s benefits and dangers to online access

“The internet provides many great opportunities for children, from accessing educational resources to engaging with their peers.”

This is according to Christine Muhigana, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) South Africa representative. Unicef SA and the Department of Social Development commissioned a survey, which is part of an international study including 14 countries in Southern and Eastern Africa and Southeast Asia, to be conducted by the University of South Africa’s bureau of market research.

The Disrupting Harm Study indicated that children primarily use the internet to learn something new, to do schoolwork, or to watch video clips. However, a lack of awareness about the dangers of online and access without parental consent presents a risky scenario where vulnerable children can be exposed to online violence, exploitation and abuse.

Muhigana said the study underscored the significance of adequately protecting children from online hazards that can harm their emotional and physical well-being.

According to the study: • 25 per cent confirmed that they have added people they have never met face to face to their friends or contacts list, and 18 per cent have sent a photo or video of themselves to someone they have never met face to face. • 67 per cent of the children who had seen pornographic images had done so via an online device. • Only 41 per cent of children polled had received any information on internet safety, indicating that additional knowledge and support are urgently needed for children and their caregivers. Unicef SA stated that these findings emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach to online safety and protection that includes children and young people, caregivers, the technology industry, academia and government, as well as the critical need for support services for victims of online violence, exploitation and abuse.