Google SA today joined forces with its online child safety campaign partners to recognise the 11th anniversary of the Safer Internet Day (SID) movement, which promotes the safe and responsible use of online technology among young users.
Hosted in collaboration with the Film and Publications Board (FPB) and supported by the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, Mxit, Parent's Corner, Media Monitoring Africa, Childline SA, the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), the Department of Communications, and UNICEF SA, Google today facilitated a series of Internet safety workshops for learners, parents and teachers from five Johannesburg schools.
Hosted at Jules High School, east of Johannesburg, Google's SID workshops aim to equip learners and parents with knowledge to help them to use the Internet safely and responsibly, as well as to educate them on their role in making the Internet safer.
Safer place
MEC for education at the GDE Barbara Creecy says the Internet has transformed how children and young people communicate and socialise. "It provides a wide range of opportunities for young people, in terms of communicating, entertainment, information and creating content. However, like any medium for communication and interaction, it also has some inherent risks."
Creecy says it is encouraging to see the private sector working with government to ensure SA's children enjoy the benefits offered by the Internet, while minimising the risks. "Today, children will learn that each one of them has a role to play in making the Internet a safer and better place for all."
The other schools involved include Anchor Comprehensive School, Vuwani Secondary School, Diepdale Secondary School, and Emshukantambo Secondary School.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, public policy manager at Google SA, says: "At Google, we often speak about how the Internet has changed the world, especially when it comes to the unprecedented level of access to information offered by the Web. However, such changes affect each generation differently. For children, this is especially important - the Internet can aid with their school work, help them connect with friends, and offer a creative outlet.
"At the same time, there are tools that families should be aware of, so that children can explore the Internet safely. We will continue to hold trainings like these because we are deeply committed to protecting children online and providing all of our users with a safe experience."
Campaign origin
Google started its online child safety campaign with the launch of the Family Safety Centre Web site in 2012, comprising online safety tips and tools from parents at Google. Advice includes how to use the Internet properly, keep all online access in a public space, and use child-safe software that prohibits families from entering certain sites, or viewing inappropriate content. The site is available in English, Zulu and Afrikaans, and was recently relaunched as part of SID 2014.
Google's SafeSearch blocks pornographic and explicit content from search results, and the company continuously works with coalitions of law enforcement and technology companies to develop new solutions aimed at eradicating child pornography on the Internet.
Over the last decade, SID has grown to over 90 countries worldwide, including SA. The theme for this year's SID is 'Let's create a better Internet together'. It coincides with the FPB's Back-2-School campaign ? the board's flagship month-long programme for school activations aimed at creating awareness on cyber safety.
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