ENHANCING ONLINE SAFETY: NGO URGES BETTER AWARENESS AMONG PARENTS AND CHILDREN
image source: Techeconomy/Bakare Opeyemi Nafisat, founder/ED, Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSfaI)
A non-profit organisation, Webfala Digital Skills for All Initiative (WDSfaI), has called for improved awareness about internet safety and online security concerns among parents, teachers, and children.
Wale Bakare, the co-founder of the organization and Director of Partnerships and Sustainability, issued the appeal during his address to attendees at a workshop in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State. The workshop was organized to commemorate the 2024 Safer Internet Day.
The workshop, themed ‘Inspiring Change, Making a Difference,’ brought together digital enthusiasts, parents, students, and teachers from schools in Ilorin. The event aimed to raise awareness about creating a safer and better internet, especially for children and young people.
Wale Bakare, the organization’s co-founder and Director of Partnerships and Sustainability, stressed the importance of addressing online concerns collectively. He emphasized the role of governments, school authorities, teachers, and parents in protecting children and young people from potential online risks.
During the workshop, Bakare educated children on safe navigation of the digital landscape, cautioning them about the risks of interacting with strangers online. He encouraged them to report any suspicious activity to their teachers and parents.
Bakare shared insights on how parents and teachers can manage YouTube and search engines for children’s safe usage. He highlighted the significance of open communication between parents and children, stating that guiding, not restricting, is crucial for fostering responsible online behavior.
He acknowledged the positive aspects of the internet but also highlighted potential dangers, including cybercrime, cyberbullying, invasion of privacy, impersonation, and the spread of fake news and hate speeches. Bakare emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure a safer, more inclusive, and secure internet for children and young people.
Dr. Rachel O’Cornell, founder of TrustElevate and digital identity author, joined the workshop virtually, discussing global issues around internet safety. She provided strategies to discern truth from falsehood in the digital age and shared approaches for managing screen time and establishing healthy digital habits.
The highlight of the program was the unveiling of the organization’s Online Safety Superhero Handbook titled ‘A Kid’s Guide to Online Adventures.’ The handbook offers valuable insights and practical tips for children navigating the digital world. Additionally, findings from the research report on ‘Strategies to Enhance Online Safety for Children in Nigeria’ were presented.
Hameed Muritala, the organization’s director of Communications and Strategy, explained that the handbook provides practical tips for children, while the research report sheds light on effective measures to safeguard young users online. Copies of the handbook and research reports will be distributed to schools across Kwara state.
News Source: Techeconomy
