Day of the African Child: All Hands on Deck for Chid Protection Online

Stakeholders and Parents have been called upon to protect children online so as to ensure they consume just good content.

This was key message from the Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irene Nguene as she chaired a ceremony to mark the 33rd Day of the African Child.

This year’s theme, “The Rights of the Child in the Digital Environment” highlighted the need to reexamine online content made available to children.

Minister Pauline Irene Nguene explained that the internet is good but also has some negative aspects.

She lauded the fact that during the period of COVID-19, the internet served in enabling students access educational material while they were away from school due to the lockdown.

She however frowned at the fact that the same internet is also being used to promote violence and other social ills amongst children.

In order to curb this, the Social Affairs Boss says everyone must put hands on deck: Parents, Teachers and the society.

She adds that the elaboration of the Child Protection Charter which the Head of State requested for is a major step towards protecting children online.

A Junior Parliamentarian of the 2019 Session, Anne Danila Ngankou Nampab on her part, frowned at the absentee behaviour of some parents who leave their children at the mercy of the internet.

She called on Parents to more vigilant and protect their children.

National and international partners of the Minsitry of Social Affairs like PLAN International and UNICEF were very present to exhibit their work geared towards protecting children especially online.

With support from such partners, the elaboration of the Child Protection Charter and efforts from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the safety of children in Cameroon, online, could be a near reality.

Eleanor Ayuketah Ngochi