State Department for Social Protection Principal Secretary Joseph Motari has revealed that children who spend more time on the internet are at a higher risk of cybercrimes.
In a speech read on his behalf by Secretary from Directorate of Children Services Shem Nyakutu, at Machakos University during the National “Safer Internet Day Celebrations, he said that mass use of internet has amplified the production and circulation of child sexual abuse material.
The PS added that while the internet can be a useful tool that helps children engage and learn, it also increases incidents of online grooming, cyber-sex trafficking, sexting and cyber bullying and urged parents, teachers, child protection officers and policy makers to unite and help create a safer internet for children.
“Children spending more time online inevitably brings increased risks and threats to children, some of which are unique to the online context,” said Monari.
He further disclosed that the risk is getting worse since 80% of children from urban areas are internet users according to a study from Disrupting Harm Study, this study also reveals 6% of Kenyan children have already shared their body images to other internet users and 14% have gone ahead to have a physical meeting with strangers they have met online.
According to the PS the emergence of AI has brought some positive impact in the professional sector, climate change, healthcare and education thus it has to be deployed responsibly since there are people using AI to generate pictures, videos and child abuse materials which are used to blackmail children and coerce money from them and their families.
However, PS Monari highlighted the government’s commitment in developing child protection policies and ratifying various international and regional legal frameworks that will ensure safer internet for children.
He further added that the government has established the DCI-AHTCPU (Antihuman Trafficking and Child Protection Unit), developed a fully-fledged Child Online Protection Department, a training manual for social service workforce on online child abuse, and a Training Handbook on Investigation and Prosecution of online child exploitation.
Monari emphasised on the importance and urgency of investing in children’s online safety and protection as most children are required to use the internet for online classes and called upon all stakeholders to join hands and ensure children benefit from the internet while safeguarding them from risks associated with online activities.
Machakos Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Katee echoed the PS sentiments on using the internet responsibly and its destructive nature when misused and encouraged parents on the traditional family set up of coming together and communicating one on one with their children without the gadgets.
The DCC noted that there are illegal groups online that are recruiting children and enabling them to commit crime and stakeholders should be on high alert on such cases.
On her part Machakos CECM for Youth Sports Gender and Social welfare Sharon Mutua added that as policy makers, parents, teachers and other stakeholders it’s important to unite to ensure the safety of children is priority and also create an enabling environment for children to thrive.
Safer Internet Day is celebrated every year on February 11 to emphasise on the importance of online safety mostly for children and adolescents and this year’s theme is “Too good to be true/ Protecting yourself and others from scams online”
By Anne Kangero
