Ministry of Transport and Communications observes that the increase in the usage of Information Communication Technology (ICT) has brought about great opportunities for members of the public including children.
Speaking during the launch of the National Child Online Protection Strategy today, Mutotwe Kafwaya however said ICTs have contributed to the growth of online risks as children have become vulnerable to online content such as exposure to inappropriate content and aggressive marketing practices, cyber bullying, and harmful interaction with other children among other vices.
Mr. Kafwaya stated that in order to address the vulnerabilities and challenges children face online, government through his Ministry resolved to develop a National Child Online Protection Strategy whose vision is to provide a safe and secure cyber space, for all children.
“The increased usage of ICTs has brought about great opportunities for our people including children. However, it has also contributed to the growth of online risks. Children have become susceptible to online content such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyber bullying, harmful interaction with other children or with adults and also exposure to aggressive marketing practices. It is for this reason that government through my Ministry resolved to address the vulnerabilities and challenges children face online,” Mr. Kafwaya said.
He disclosed that in collaboration with stakeholders, the Ministry developed a National Child protection online strategy whose vision is to provide a safe and secure cyber space for all children.
“This launch is a major milestone in the realm of online child protection in Zambia. The launch of a child national online protection strategy reflects the government’s commitment to ensure child online safety.”
“This vision seeks to achieve the following objectives; promote awareness of child online safety, implement programs in dealing with child online risks, educate children in the country on safely using the internet and new technologies, and provide practical tools that will encourage industries, educators and parents and guardians to ensure a safe and secure online experience for our children.”
Mr. Kafwaya explained that the strategy is anchored on the National Child Policy of 2015, which addresses the development and welfare of children in Zambia.
He thanked United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and other stakeholders for their support in the formulation of the Strategy, saying protecting children online has been identified as a global challenge which requires concerted efforts.
“Allow me to take this opportunity to thank United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and other stakeholders for their support in the formulation of the National Child Online Protection Strategy. Your contribution in the process of coming up with this strategy is highly appreciated.”
“I am happy to see that UN agencies like ITU and ATU, UNICEF and other partners are collaborating with the Zambian government in tackling online abuse and exploitation of children.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Kafwaya said government is spearheading a remarkable ICT sector which has expanded mobile communication to citizens due to the recent massive investment in ICT Infrastructure.
He stated that government recognizes the critical role ICTs play in the development of social and economic circles of the country, therefore the recognition of the sector in the 7th National Development Plan (7NDP).
“As the country steadily transitions towards a smart Zambia, government is spearheading phenomenal transformation of the ICT sector which has expanded mobile communication to our people, affording our population access to a wide range of online services including educational content.”
“This is due to the recent massive investment in ICT Infrastructure such as telecommunication towers, fiber optic connectivity, and the ultra-modern national data center.”