Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
GOVERNMENT is moving to enact legislation to safeguard children in the digital space following the adoption of the Zimbabwe National Child Online Protection Policy (2026–2030), Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dr Beullah Chirume has said.
Speaking during the Child Online Protection Policy Unpacking Workshop in Harare yesterday, Dr Chirume said the proposed law will complement the recently launched policy as Zimbabwe responds to increasing online risks facing children amid rapid digitalisation.
“Government also recognises the need for an accompanying Act and we are already at the preliminary stages of developing that legislation,” she said.
The workshop marked the beginning of efforts to operationalise the policy after its launch in Bulawayo on July 10, 2026, by Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi.
Dr Chirume said Zimbabwe’s growing digital connectivity has created new opportunities for children, but has also heightened their exposure to cyberbullying, online grooming, sexual exploitation, harmful content and misuse of personal data.
She said internet penetration has reached 87.39 percent, broadband penetration stood at 85.83 percent, while mobile penetration has surpassed 108.53 percent.
Data traffic also increased by 57.28 percent, from 114.02 petabytes to 179.33 petabytes in the year to the first quarter of 2026.
“Behind these figures are children going online for education, play and connection with their peers, inheriting both the promise of this digital economy and its risks,” said Dr Chirume.
“Globally, over 300 million children are victimised online every year and Zimbabwe’s children are not exempt. Government has a duty to respond with equal seriousness.”
She said the workshop was intended to move beyond policy adoption towards implementation by translating its nine strategic focus areas into coordinated action covering legislation, prevention, education, institutional strengthening, public awareness, corporate responsibility, research and monitoring.
“I urge you to engage candidly. Tell us where the gaps are, what capacity is missing and what has and has not worked in your own institutions and communities.
“This policy will only be as strong as the implementation plan we build around it,” she said.
Dr Chirume also urged children attending the workshop to actively participate in discussions.
“This policy exists because your safety matters, and your voice matters in shaping what safety looks like online.”
Child President Tinashe Mugodhi called for decisive action to protect children from online abuse.
“We must not fumble. We must be brutal. We must be radical on issues that concern child protection,” he said.
“We must stand our ground to protect the children of Zimbabwe. These children carry with themselves greater abilities, greater capabilities and greater initiatives that can carry this nation far.”
Save the Children Communications Specialist Ms Cynthia Chimbhunde said they remained committed to supporting Government in implementing the policy.
“As digital technologies become an increasingly important part of children’s lives, protecting children online is a shared responsibility,” she said.
“The government, development partners, private sector, communities, parents and children themselves have an important role to play in creating an online environment where children can learn, participate and connect safely.”
She said children’s participation in the workshop will help ensure implementation reflects their lived experiences online.
National Director of the Zimbabwe National Coalition for the Welfare of Children Reverend Taylor Nyanhete said that while Government has strengthened the legal framework for children’s rights, parents remain the first line of defence in protecting children online.
“Parents have a duty to ensure that the online participation of children does not replace parenting styles,” he said. “They have to be active to ensure that their children access online responsibly and are well coached on how to grow up as responsible adults.”
He welcomed Government’s plans to enact legislation to support implementation of the policy, saying a legal framework would strengthen enforcement and accountability.
The Child Online Protection Policy is Zimbabwe’s first national framework dedicated to safeguarding children in the digital environment and was developed through consultations involving Government, civil society, academia, development partners, the private sector and children.
The policy seeks to guide coordinated national efforts to protect children from online abuse while enabling them to benefit safely from digital technologies.
