Online Reporter
Patience Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE Government is developing a National Child Online Protection Policy to guard against cyberbullying, exploitation and exposure to harmful content in the digital space, taking into cognisance that internet use is surging among children in the country.
The Ministry of Information, Communication Technology (ICT), Postal and Courier Services yesterday convened a stakeholder validation meeting in Bulawayo, drawing input from schoolchildren, university students, ICT specialists and officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Victim Friendly Unit.
Chief Director in the Ministry, Mr Prince Sibanda, said the framework was crucial in an era where young people are “born with gadgets in their hands.”
“Government is 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,” he said.
Mr Sibanda noted that 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 draft policy, developed in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Child Online Community Protection (ZiCOP), has undergone extensive consultations, including with children, the intended beneficiaries.
“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. This gathering is aimed at sharing views on how technology, while creating learning opportunities, also presents real risks to children,” said Mr Sibanda.
“The increase in the misuse of personal information is one of the challenges that we cannot afford to keep ignoring. Protecting our children online is not optional, but a national duty.”
The ministry, in collaboration with Zimbabwe Child Online Community Protection (ZiCOP) has led an extensive consultative process to draft the policy, with contributions from children who are the intended beneficiaries.
Junior Minister of ICT, Unathi Mlalazi, welcomed the process, saying it empowered young people to understand their rights and safety online.
“This initiative was a way of including children in knowing their right to access to cybersecurity. The Data Protection Act has given us a platform to ensure that we are safe online, enabling a safe space where we can be free and protected from cyberbullying,” she said.
Junior legislator for Mzilikazi, Sarah Tachiwona, also commended the Government for involving youth voices.
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“For us to be included in this validation is proof that the Government sees us and hears us. I am glad that young children like us are also involved in these meetings so that we share our views, as we are the most vulnerable,” she said.
ZiCOP representative, Mr John Mhlanga, said the draft policy would strengthen child protection mechanisms across Zimbabwe’s digital landscape.
“This is a really good initiative because many abuses start online. The policy will ensure children are safeguarded in how they interact and work online, with some mechanisms to protect them from any form of violence, which is a very good development within the legal framework of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Sibanda stressed that the policy reflects input from parents, teachers, industry leaders and rural and urban communities, aligning with Vision 2030, which recognises ICT as a driver of socioeconomic transformation.
“Protecting our children online is not optional, but a national duty,” he said.
