Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) says children face growing risks in cyberspace and has since urged parents and teachers to take a proactive role in safeguarding them.
Macra computer emergency response team head Christopher Banda expressed the sentiments on Wednesday during a child online protection trainer for trainers workshop at Mary Mount Catholic Secondary School in Mzuzu.
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He said they organised the training to equip teachers and parents with practical skills to protect children online.
Said Banda: “Parents need to take a keen interest in what their children are watching or checking online. Sometimes students spend more time with teachers than parents so this programme is designed to educate both groups on the dangers of cyberspace.
“Of course, there are many benefits online, but at the same time there are risks that can affect the children’s well-being and performance in school.”
He also said Macra receives numerous complaints related to cyber-bullying, particularly in private secondary schools.
Northern Education Division chief education quality assurance officer Sam Tembo said the Ministry of Education has a strict no-phones policy in schools as part of its child protection measures.
He acknowledged that despite the policy being in place, some students are constantly smuggling phones into schools, raising concerns about exposure to online abuse and exploitation.
Mary Mount Catholic Secondary School manager Island Mtambo said the training was important in addressing realities facing young children.
He said children as young as 13 are exposed to inappropriate content online including, explicit videos and images.
