As digital technology becomes increasingly embedded in teaching and learning, protecting learners from online harm has become an urgent priority for the education sector. The DBE continues to strengthen the capacity of educators and officials to safeguard children in the digital space through the Online School Safety Integrated Programme, which was recently implemented in provincial training workshops in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces.
The first workshop was held at St John’s College in Mthatha from 25–27 February 2026, followed by a second session at Dokkies Education Institute in KwaZulu-Natal from 3–5 March 2026. The three-day workshops brought together Life Orientation subject advisors, educators, school management teams, and provincial and district officials to deepen their understanding of online child safety and equip them with practical tools to identify and respond to risks such as cyberbullying, cybercrime, and Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSEA). Twenty schools from across the Eastern Cape participated in the Mthatha workshop, while 21 schools from KwaZulu-Natal attended the provincial training.
The initiative forms part of a broader national effort aimed at strengthening the education sector’s response to online violence, enhancing digital literacy among learners, and ensuring that schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning in an increasingly connected world. Led and coordinated by the School Safety Directorate and supported by several key directorates within the DBE, including Life Orientation Curriculum, e-Learning, the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC), Education Management Governance and Development, as well as Social Cohesion and Psychosocial Support. This collaborative approach ensures that online safety is addressed through curriculum support, digital learning initiatives, and strengthened governance and support systems within schools. The programme is further implemented in partnership with a range of stakeholders, including UNICEF and UNESCO. Additional partners contributing to technical expertise include the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, the Film and Publications Board, the Department of Social Development, Google, and the Agape Youth Movement.
The DBE’s Director for School Safety, Mr Sifiso Ngobese, highlighted the importance of equipping educators with the tools to respond effectively to emerging digital risks. “We are living in a digital era where technology and internet access have become part of everyday learning. While these advancements present many opportunities, they also expose children to risks such as cyberbullying, cybercrime, and online sexual exploitation. Through this programme we are empowering educators and officials with the knowledge and tools to identify online harms and guide learners to become responsible digital citizens,” he said.
Throughout the workshops, partner organisations provided practical guidance and resources designed to strengthen schools’ ability to respond to online safety challenges. Mrs Mmaletjema Lekalakala from the Film and Publications Board outlined the responsibilities of educators in preventing and reporting cyberbullying incidents, including the use of school incident registers and the SA-SAMS system to ensure that cases are properly documented and addressed. Ms Siphokazi Novukuza from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies introduced the department’s Cyber Safety Awareness Toolkit, which aims to improve awareness and understanding of cyber safety among learners, parents, and educators while promoting responsible online behaviour.
A key highlight of the workshops was the introduction of emerging discussions around Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its growing presence in the digital environment. Dr Karen Walstra, representing Google, introduced educators to the evolving role of AI in digital platforms and emphasised the importance of preparing learners to engage responsibly with AI-driven technologies. She shared practical digital safety tools and guidance to help schools support learners in navigating online platforms safely while developing critical digital literacy skills. Educators were also introduced to the Online Safety Curriculum Guideline for Grades 8–12, which provides structured and age-appropriate lessons aligned with the Life Orientation curriculum. The guideline equips educators with practical teaching resources to help learners identify online risks, understand responsible digital behaviour, and develop the skills required to safely navigate online environments. Importantly, the curriculum guideline also includes a Braille edition to ensure that learners with visual impairments are able to access the material and participate fully in digital citizenship education.
With the completion of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal workshops, the Online School Safety Integrated Programme has now been implemented in eight provinces across South Africa, with only the Western Cape remaining in the national rollout. The programme represents an important step towards strengthening digital citizenship education and ensuring that South African learners are empowered to participate safely and responsibly in the digital world.