Joyce Nambasa
The Role of Parents on Child Online Protection
The Internet has been widely accepted and adopted worldwide. With this interest it has not only been taken up by only adults but also children as young as 5years. Whereas the benefits are undisputed, this has left many questions in regards to safety especially for the children.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) launched the Child Online Protection (COP) Initiative in November 2008 as a multi-stakeholder effort within the Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA) framework. The initiative brings together partners from all sectors of the global community to create a safe and empowering online experience for children around the world.
Online child protection is a global challenge and needs to be handled globally, however, this has not been the case for most African countries Like Uganda.
In 2014, the Anti-Pornography act was passed by the Parliament of Uganda. Section 3 mainly focused on prohibition of pornography with various providers roles speculated in the act. However, as many Ugandans look at this, major focus is put on the pornography but other issues surrounding online child safety are not given attention. According to a report produced by the internet society of Uganda in March 2015, online child protection is still a new aspect in New Uganda, and as such so much effort is needed for people to understand it. In addition to the report, Majority of the children between13-18 yrs. are internet users spending time on social sites like Facebook, twitter but there is no documented information about online behavior for young children.
The role played by entities like NITA, IWF and the other NGOs like the Internet Society in making this known recently through education tool kits and recently, NITA and IWF launched an online child sexual abuse reporting portal. But with the children of today getting ahead of their parents/guardians. Little is known about who they are talking to all day and want they are doing. With stake holders like Governments, NGOs like the Internet society of Uganda taking part, there is an emergency need to create awareness for children about the dangers of the internet However, major players like the parents are also not yet aware of their responsibility.
So, what is the responsibility of a parent?
First the parents need to be aware of the experience the children can face while online. According to the University of New Hampshire group through examining the case-loads of 1504 practitioners they found eleven types of problematic experiences reported by both youth and adult clients. These were: Overuse; pornography; Infidelity; sexual exploitation and abuse; gaming, gambling and role-playing; Harassment; isolative-avoidant use; frauds, Stealing and deception; failed online relationships; Harmful influence websites, and risky and inappropriate use. According to a survey done by BBC Learning in England, Many parents are out of touch with the dangers faced by their children on tablets and smartphones.
Whereas there is no track of evidence for Children in Uganda to have experienced these issues while online, it is important for the parent to be aware of them and also educate the children. While addressing the press at the launch of NITA, IWF launch online sexual abuse reporting portal, the Executive director, James Saaka of NITA noted that there is need for parents to be proactive in their endeavors to prevent self-distribution of unsuitable images or exposure to people who might harm their children.
NITA ED, James Saaka and IWF Deputy CEO, Fred Langford at the launch of the Child Sexual Abuse Reporting Page on September 10 2015
According to the ITU, Below are some of the activities for parents or guardians to follow. To ensure that children use Internet sites safely and responsibly, parents and guardians can: •
Talk to their children about what they do and who they communicate with when they use their computer or personal device, such as a mobile phone or games console. Opening and maintaining this dialogue is crucial to Helping to keep children safe.
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Read the terms and conditions of use with their children before they enter a site, discuss safety precautions together, set some basic rules and monitor use to ensure that the rules are respected.
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Install firewall and antivirus software; this should be kept up to date. Ensure that your computer has a firewall and antivirus software installed and that it is kept up to date. Teach your children the basics of Internet security. •
Explain to children to never arrange to meet in person someone they first met online
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Prevent children from sharing personally identifiable information
Filters and parental controls • Block access to undesirable content or services. Technical tools can help to block access to undesirable websites e.g. ones which allow un-moderated content or discussions, or to block access to undesirable services or content on mobile phones. •
Ensure children understand what it means to post photographs on the Internet, including the use webcams
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Ensure children do not use full names. Wherever possible have children use nicknames – not their real names or parts of them. Nicknames should be selected carefully, such that do not attract inappropriate attention.
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Warn children about expressing emotions to strangers Children should not communicate with strangers directly online. Explain that what they write can be read by anyone with access to the same site and that predators or bullies often seek children who express an interest in making new friends online.
Conclusion It has to be noted that children globally are knowledgeable about the internet and in Uganda more children are continuing to access the internet mainly at schools, with friends and also for some on mobile. As a parent, one has to note that although child pornography is addressed in Uganda legislation, there is no unified law passed yet that addresses child online protection. However, if parents understanding using the tools available by organizations like IWF, this is a foundation ,and major role currently has to be driven by them as the nearest to the children besides educators , government ,NGOs since the parents usually provide the tools to access internet.