Internet Day: Building a safer digital future for Zim

Lucia Ponde-Mutsvedu
Herald Correspondent

Each year Safer Internet Day is celebrated across the globe to raise awareness on online safety digital literacy and responsible internet use. It’s slogan “Together for a better Internet”, emphasises collaboration between governments, schools, parents, NGOs and tech companies.

The Safer Internet Day celebration originated in Europe in 2004 and has grown into a worldwide movement commemorated in over 180 countries. In Zimbabwe internet penetration is rapidly increasing with young people being amongst the most active users.

Safer Internet Day is more than just a one-day event, it is a call to action to protect children, empower communities and ensure that the digital revolution is beneficial to everyone.

This year’s theme is ‘Smart tech, safe choices — exploring the safe and responsible use of AI.’ Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence offers major benefits such as improved efficiency, smarter decision-making and new opportunities in healthcare education and business. Within the same bandwidth, AI can increase the spread of misinformation and disinformation, a significant threat to online safety. This shows the need to balance risk factors with protective factors through efforts such as the Safer Internet Day, which strives to spread awareness on safer internet use.

In Zimbabwe Safer Internet Day resonates strongly because the country is experiencing a rapid digital transformation. Mobile phones are now the primary gateway to the internet and social media platforms have become central to communication, education and business. There are more children using the internet than ever before as the new curriculum demands thorough research and the integration of ICT. While this increased connectivity shows a significant attempt to bridge the digital divide and presents opportunities for Zimbabwe to connect to the rest of the world, it also exposes children and families to risks such as online grooming harmful content, scams and cyber bullying.

What makes online safety in Zimbabwe a pressing issue?

• Young population: Over 60% of Zimbabwe’s population is under the age of 25. The majority of internet users are young people who are curious, adventurous and often less cautious about online risks.
• Digital divide: Urban youth in Zimbabwe have more access to devices and connectivity whilst rural communities are still catching up. This expansion means more children are online without adequate guidance which leaves them vulnerable to online violence.
• Economic issues: Families struggling with poverty may not be interested in prioritising online safety as they will focus instead on immediate survival. This poses significant risks as safety practices can increase vulnerabilities such as financial scams and exploitation.
• Educational reforms: The new school curriculum recognises that education must prepare learners for the digital world. ICT is now taught across all subjects and students are encouraged to use online resources for research collaboration and innovation. Most importantly, the curriculum highlights online safety as a critical tool. Whilst increased digital use creates opportunities for independent learning, it also demands stronger safeguards.

Safety N Us: Leading the Charge for Online Safety

Safety N Us is one of the most notable organisations advancing Safer Internet Day’s mission in Zimbabwe. Safety n Us Trust, founded by Lucia Mutsvedu in 2021, is a local initiative mandated to protect children and youth from online violence by empowering communities with digital literacy and online safety skills. Their work as an organisation demonstrates how grassroots action can make the internet safer and more inclusive.

1. Empowering Young Girls and Women in Hatcliffe

Safety N Us was awarded a grant through Impact Amplifier, Africa Online Safety Fund, funded by Google to advance online safety initiatives in Africa. Safety N Us embarked on a project that empowered 250 girls in Hatcliffe with digital literacy skills. In a community where access to technology is limited, this initiative ensures that girls are not left behind in the digital age. By teaching them how to navigate the internet safely, avoid harmful content, and use digital tools for education and entrepreneurship, the programme addresses both gender inequality and online risks.

2. Online Safety Clubs at universities

Recognising that university students are among the most active internet users, Safety N Us established online safety clubs at tertiary institutions such as Bindura University of Science and Technology. These clubs create learning spaces where students discuss issues like cyber bullying, online scams and digital well-being. Students from these clubs also act as ambassadors — spreading awareness to other students and communities.

3. Online Safety Bootcamps

Safety N Us is popularly known for its quarterly Boot Camps where trained staff provide intensive training sessions on digital literacy, cybersecurity basics, and responsible online behaviour. These bootcamps target children below the age of 18 and youth leaders, who are known as online safety champions, equipping them to cascade knowledge to wider audiences.

4. Parenting in the 21st Century Program

Parents often feel overwhelmed by the pace of technology. Safety N Us runs the Parenting in the 21st Century program which helps caregivers understand the digital world their children spend most of their time on. Parents learn how to set boundaries, monitor online activity, and engage in open conversations about internet use. This program bridges the generational gap and strengthens family resilience.

5. After-School Edutainment

Safety N Us integrates online safety into after school edutainment programs. By combining fun activities with digital literacy lessons, children learn about safe internet use in an engaging way, ensuring that safety messages stick without feeling monotonous.

In conclusion, every child safeguarding professional in Zimbabwe should see online safety as a core priority, not an optional add-on. Just as we protect children from physical abuse, neglect, and exploitation offline, we must extend that same vigilance to the digital world where they spend increasing amounts of time. Safer Internet Day offers us the chance to unite, reflect, and act. It is not just a symbolic event but a call to collective responsibility. Together, we can ensure that the internet becomes a place of opportunity, learning, and empowerment, not harm. Safer Internet Day is our reminder that safeguarding children online is safeguarding their future.

“For safety is not a gadget but a state of mind” — Eleanore Everet