Do you recall how much we used to admire the large, heavy PCs in our school labs? The digital world has grown exponentially since then, and all our children now have access to the internet in one form or another—through a phone, an iPad, the TV, or even the home computer. Comprehensive digital literacy is more important than ever in order to guarantee that our kids are safe and make the most of their access while exercising caution and creativity. Recognizing this, the Communications Authority of Kenya initiated the Child Online Protection (COP) program, underscoring the critical need for an integrated approach to digital literacy that includes safety, awareness, and education. This initiative serves as a reminder that protecting our children online is a collective effort involving education, technological tools, and informed parenting.

In today’s world, digital technology is integrated into everyday life; understanding its nuances goes beyond basic functionality. Digital literacy encompasses a range of competencies including critical thinking in digital spaces, discerning credible information (especially with all the misinformation that happens on the internet), responsible online communication, and awareness of digital safety and privacy.

Integrating Digital Literacy and Why it’s Important for your kids. Safety through awareness and education: The internet is vast and ever-changing, presenting various challenges. To equip children for this, combine regular dialogues about online experiences with practical lessons on safety. Teach them the importance of cybersecurity, such as using strong passwords and understanding the risks of sharing personal information. This approach to digital literacy is like teaching them to navigate the complexities of the internet as confidently as they would cross the road. It’s critical to emphasize how digital literacy fortifies our kids to be savvy internet users, protecting them from fraud and cyberattacks. We ensure that they are not easily duped by teaching them to identify and steer clear of potential scams through the cultivation of an awareness of internet security. Instilling best practices for securing personal information goes hand in hand with this education and is essential to preventing hackers from accessing it.
2. Information literacy with guided exploration: Teaching children to discern credible from unreliable content is essential in the digital age, where information is abundant. Lead by example; show them how to evaluate sources and maintain a healthy scepticism about the information they encounter. Engage in constructive dialogue to help them understand how to filter and assess the vast amount of content they come across, turning every online interaction into a learning opportunity.
3. Cultivating creativity and innovation with encouragement and resources: Digital platforms are playgrounds for creativity and innovation. Please encourage your children to delve into these spaces by introducing them to various educational resources and creative tools. Guide them towards activities like programming, digital art, or joining online communities that foster constructive engagement. Celebrate their digital creations and milestones, reinforcing their interest in developing new skills and expressing themselves creatively.
4. Combating Online Bullying and Nurturing Self-Worth: An essential facet of digital literacy is teaching our children how to identify and cope with online bullying. It’s crucial to have an open dialogue about the realities of online interactions and to empower them with strategies to deal with any form of bullying they might encounter. This includes knowing when and how to report inappropriate behaviour and understanding the importance of seeking support from trusted adults. The development of a strong sense of self is equally vital. Promoting self-esteem-boosting activities and having frequent conversations about their internet experiences aid in preserving their sense of self. This strategy guarantees that adolescents traverse the digital world with confidence and a positive self-image, while simultaneously arming them against the detrimental effects of cyberbullying.

In a world where digital literacy is as crucial as learning to ride a bike, it’s imperative to guide our children through the digital landscape with diligence and foresight. By integrating the Child Online Protection (COP) initiative by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) into their digital education, we emphasize the importance of navigating online spaces with both confidence and caution. This ensures they are well-prepared, safe, and informed, enabling them to fully harness the vast resources of the digital world. As we embark on this journey with them, we lay a foundation not only for overcoming current digital challenges but also for seizing future opportunities, all while under the protective umbrella of initiatives like the COP by the Communication Authority. The COP program’s success lies in its multi-stakeholder approach, bringing together educators, parents, technology providers, and policymakers to create a safer online environment for children. We can adopt a similar approach in our homes by leveraging available resources and engaging with community and educational programs that focus on digital literacy and online safety. This collective effort enhances our children’s ability to navigate the digital landscape safely and creatively.

The journey of nurturing digital literacy in our children provides us, as parents, with a profound sense of peace of mind. When we equip our kids with the skills to navigate the online world safely, we’re doing more than just protecting them; we’re empowering them to make informed choices and recognize potential dangers. This knowledge acts as a safeguard, ensuring that their digital interactions are secure and beneficial. Knowing that our children can discern trustworthy information, protect their data, and engage online respectfully gives us confidence in their ability to handle the digital world’s complexities. We are confident that kids will be safe and okay as they explore the extensive materials available on the internet.

For more detailed insights into the Child Online Protection initiative, to visit the Communications Authority of Kenya’s website, Click Here.

Patricia Muchiri,  the Acting Director of Public Education & Awareness, delves into the role of the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) in child online protection with ODHIAMBO NEEMA.

Child Online Protection (COP) is a global initiative that was established by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the UN agency responsible for all international and telecommunication (ICT) matters, as a subset of the broader cybersecurity agenda. The ITU is mandated to come up with a holistic way to deal with the challenges that children and youth face as they navigate the cyberspace.

Many people are unaware that Kenya’s Communications Authority (CA) sits on the ITU council thanks to Kenya being a member state of the council. This means that the authority has the delegated role, by the national government, to represent it on matters of ICT. In this capacity, the authority is a global player that executes the child online protection framework as established and provided by the ITU council. As such, CA has designed programmes and initiatives around the provided framework, thereby contributing to internet safety.

Additionally, the authority is the regulator of the converged ICT sector in Kenya. Their roles include managing the country’s cyberspace, issuing frequencies, regulating competition in the ICT sector, and issuing resources such as personal mobile numbers. Consequently, CA has a sacrosanct role in consumer protection and in the regulation of various goods and services in the ICT sector, which includes child online protection.

“We are now looking at children as consumers of ICT, and they are very early adopters. We do know, from research we have conducted and data collected, that they are spending a lot of time on the internet. They are learning, they are creating relationships. So, that is our responsibility concerning consumer protection,” she explains.

Regarding the dangers that children may be exposed to online, Patricia is quick to list several risks: cyberbullying, internet addiction, catfishing, revenge porn, and gambling. These vulnerabilities have led to children being lured, blackmailed, and manipulated, developing unhealthy addictions, and in some instances, have even led to suicide. While the internet can be a positive resource, its misuse necessitates the creation of safeguards, especially for children and the youth.

In light of this, she cites public awareness as a critical tool for regulation. She explains, “There has to be the creation of awareness by the regulator, by industry- by which I mean our licenses, vendors (for instance, the people who import mobile handsets into our country), and the education sector, who are a key component in this space. Public awareness is broad, and spans everything from media campaigns and IEC materials to learning through entertainment.”

One of the key initiatives that CA sponsors is the Kenya Drama Festival and the Kenya Music Festival. During the various presentations, children can learn about child online protection and the associated risks and vulnerabilities, in a very fun way. This way, they make complex information easy to understand. Parents, children, and guardians can then take the recommendations, implement them, and safeguard the future.

Moreover, the authority is a major exhibitor in the annual teachers’ conferences known as Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) and Kenya Primary Schools Head Teachers Association (KEPSHA).
Additionally, aside from their running COP Phase II programme, they currently have a programme called Kikao Kikuu. It is designed for counties and includes creating more awareness around the COP agenda. So far, they have visited 20 counties.

As we wind up the interview, Patricia is keen to emphasise that the responsibility of keeping children safe online is a collaborative one, and particularly calls on parents to take on a more hands-on approach; “As a parent or guardian, you have principal responsibility for the children under your care and your watch. When it comes to child online protection within the home, you are responsible for how much time your children spend on the internet, for the gadgets you buy them, their social media presence as minors, you are responsible for who talks to your children on the internet, who sends them money via the sim cards you have registered for them, and even for your Wi-Fi and streaming app passwords.”

Consequently, she urges parents to set rules about allowing their children to go to their rooms with their gadgets and about how long they can access the internet. She also asks parents to secure their gadgets with passcodes and passwords and to create strong Wi-Fi passwords.

“Get involved, have a conversation with your children, be their friend. Let them tell you about things like Snapchat, which some of us don’t even understand. Let them be your partner in terms of what they do on the Internet,” she concludes.

In the ever-evolving world of digital media, becoming a content creator on platforms like Instagram and TikTok is not just a creative endeavor but a potential career path.

These visually-driven platforms provide a unique opportunity to share your passion, connect with like-minded individuals, and even monetize your content. Whether you’re a budding artist, a fitness enthusiast, a fashionista, or someone with a unique skill to showcase, here are some easy ways to jumpstart your content creation career on Instagram and TikTok.

1. Discover Your Niche:
   Start by identifying your passion or expertise. What are you genuinely enthusiastic about? Your niche will not only define your content but also attract an audience with similar interests.
2. Craft a Plan:
   Outline your goals and objectives. Develop a content calendar that includes regular posting schedules and key themes. Planning ahead will keep you organized and consistent.
3. Choose the Right Platform:
   Instagram and TikTok cater to different demographics and content styles. Instagram is more visually polished and suited for longer-form content, while TikTok thrives on short, engaging videos. Select the platform that aligns best with your content style and target audience.
4. Create Quality Content:
   Invest in good equipment for both platforms to enhance the quality of your visuals and audio. Use editing tools available on the platforms to refine your content further. High-quality content will capture the attention of your audience.
5. Establish Consistency:
   Consistency is crucial on Instagram and TikTok. Regularly posting content will keep your audience engaged and help you build a loyal following. Set a posting schedule that aligns with your audience’s habits.

2. Leverage Social Media Presence:
   Create profiles on other social media platforms to cross-promote your Instagram and TikTok content. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and use relevant hashtags to increase discoverability.
3. Collaborate with Fellow Creators:
   Networking is a powerful tool in the digital world. Collaborate with other content creators in your niche. This can expose your content to new audiences and create a sense of community.
4. Understand SEO Basics:
   While Instagram and TikTok don’t rely on traditional SEO, understanding how to use hashtags effectively can significantly increase your content’s visibility. Research and use popular and relevant hashtags in your niche.
5. Connect with Your Audience:
   Building a community is vital. Respond promptly to comments and messages, and ask for your audience’s input. This engagement will foster a stronger connection and keep your followers coming back.
6. Explore Monetization Opportunities:
   As your audience grows, explore various monetization options. Both Instagram and TikTok offer opportunities for creators to earn money through affiliate marketing, sponsored content, and other collaborations.
7. Utilize Analytics:
   Leverage the analytics tools provided by Instagram and TikTok to understand what content resonates with your audience. Analyze the data regularly and adjust your strategy accordingly.
8. Stay Updated and Adapt:
   Social media trends change rapidly. Stay informed about changes on the platforms, evolving content formats, and emerging trends within your niche. Adapt your content strategy to stay relevant.

Remember, building a successful content creation career on Instagram and TikTok takes time and dedication. Enjoy the process, stay true to your unique voice, and let your creativity shine through your content. The digital world is waiting to discover what makes you extraordinary.