By Joan katambi
As the world continues to embrace the Internet and digitalization, a whole new wave of threats to online users has been identified to be on the rise especially for vulnerable groups such as children. Children of late are so much exposed to the online space especially during the pandemic for several reasons that include learning, entertainment, meet friends etc. However, the question about the safety of these children while on the Internet has remained unanswered.
Digital Literacy Initiative participated in a 14-day led by Encrypt Uganda #ChildSafetyOnlineUG campaign from 28th August to 11th September 2020 under the Digital Human Rights Lab. The campaign highlighted major risks that arise as a result of children exposure on the Internet without proper parental control or monitoring. These included; abuses, uncensored content, extortion, harassment, and humiliation. The campaign also raised concern over “digital kidnapping”, a crime through which individuals or companies steal children’s photos and use them in advertising their products. Parents were, therefore, cautioned to avoid posting their children’s pictures online.
https://digitalhumanrightslab.org/blog/childrensafetyonlineug-advocacy-campaign-highlights/
