Online Reporter
Patience Ndlovu
The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services on Tuesday held a stakeholder engagement meeting at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) to validate the National Child Online Protection Policy.
The policy seeks to create a safer digital environment for children by addressing emerging online risks such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to harmful content.
Speaking during the event, Chief Director in the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology Mr Prince Sibanda, emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding children in this digital age.
“As government, we are leading the process of developing the National Child Online Protection Policy because we have noticed a massive growth in ICT usage, particularly among a generation born with gadgets in their hands. While ICT brings countless benefits, it also comes with dangers. Our aim is to put in place a framework that protects innocent children who are not yet able to make decisions for themselves,” he said.
The engagement brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including university students, schoolchildren, ICT specialists, and representatives of the Zimbabwe Republic Police, who participated through their Victim Friendly Unit.
Mr Sibanda also emphasized that after this validation process, there will be other validation workshops and government processes before the policy is officially published, which will coordinate efforts to protect children from technology.
