The DBE’s Social Cohesion and Equity in Education Directorate, in conjunction with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and the Agape Youth Movement (AYM), hosted a webinar on the safety of children in respect of cyber security and their protection on digital, online and virtual platforms, including social media etiquette. Other participants who joined in the online discussion on 23 June 2021, include UNICEF, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Media Monitoring Africa (MMA). Approximately 80 South African learners representing all provinces participated.
Mr Likho Bottoman, Director for Social Cohesion and Equity in Education, explained that cyberbullying has a profound psychosocial impact on learners and undermines the strides made by the country towards social cohesion and nation building. “I am relieved that President Cyril Ramaphosa recently signed the Cybercrimes Act into law, which focuses on criminalising the theft and interference of data and brings South Africa’s cybersecurity laws in line with the rest of the world. The objectives of the Act are to: categorise offences and impose penalties which have a bearing on cybercrime; criminalise the distribution of data messages which are harmful and to provide for interim protection orders; and to further regulate jurisdiction in cybercrime”.
Communications and Digital Technologies Deputy Minister, Ms Pinky Kekana, urged learners to become digitally literate and ethical, guided by laws such as the Films and Publications Amendment Bill, 2019 to ensure their online safety. Deputy Minister Kekana added that the Cyber Security Hub of her Department reported that cybercrimes have grown by 500%. “The Department, along with the DBE, will therefore be piloting a campaign in 200 schools to set up digital accounts and guide learners to better manage their footprints to ensure the cyber safety of our learners. In celebration of the Year of Charlotte Maxeke, let us please follow her example and know that you are not only your future, but that you leave a legacy. We are who we are because of those who have come before us”.
Ms Murial Mafico from UNICEF, said that, “although social media platforms allow us to connect and continue the facilitation of learning and teaching, the dangers remain a global threat, and a very real challenge for children. In addition, not all South African learners have access to the Internet and connectivity challenges continue to widen the digital divide”.
Feedback from learners who held deliberations in virtual break-away rooms were, among others, that learners should always protect their personal information, use strong passwords and not share these with anyone. In addition, learners should block or unfriend bullies where possible, save the evidence and share with a parent or an adult. Copyright laws must also be adhered to and, where possible, sources should be sited to avoid plagiarism. Negative posting on social media should be replaced with positive posting to maintain a socially cohesive cyber-society. The best reaction to cyberbullying is to not respond at all, they all agreed.