We will host the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) on Thursday 24th September 2015, as they discuss their recently launched Child Online Protection campaign.
Kenya has more than 34.8 million mobile subscribers representing 85.5% of the population. More than 90% of Internet users access it through their mobile phones. Most children today are tech savvy and have access to mobile phones. Children therefore have unprecedented access to the cyber space exposing them cyber crime, particularly due to the present uncontrolled nature of internet access.
The campaign Dubbed Be the Cop, was launched in Mombasa on August 4 at the just concluded Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA) Annual Conference. Be the Cop highlights the role that parents, guardians and teachers need to play to protect children in cyberspace and at the same time provides avenues of redress should one encounter cyber crime. It is aimed at minimizing if not eradicating the risks of exposing children on various harmful Internet content.
In this digital age, when even our education system is seeking to digitize its curriculum delivery, the cyber space is increasingly becoming complex. The campaign therefore requires any responsible society to do it’s best to safeguard consumers of ICT, and children in particular, due to their vulnerability. A study by the CA revealed that teenagers are more concerned with cyber bullying while adults are more concerned that children and teenagers are accessing pornography. The study further reveals that parents, guardians and teachers seem to be unable to monitor what children and teens are doing online. It is findings from this study that informed the campaign.
CA is mandated to regulate the ICT sector and at the same time protect consumers of ICT services including children.The Authority has partnered with other organizations that play a role in safeguarding children including Department of Children Services, The Cradle, Kenya Girl Guides Association, Kenya Scouts Association, Kenya Association of Professional Counselors, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Plan International and Childline Kenya. The Authority has also partnered with service providers Google, Orange, Airtel and Safaricom.
The Child Online Protection awareness campaign will run for a period of three months in electronic, print, outdoor and online media. This forum is among the on-ground outreach activities and regional consumer forums. Register for the event here.
Details:
Date: Thursday 24th September
Time: 5.00-8.00 pm
Venue: Nailab 4th Floor, Bishop Magua Center.