Protect children from social media ills, parents urged

Sunday Mail Reporter

Parents should strive to protect their children from the harmful effects of social media, Safety n Us founder and director Lucia Mutsvedu has said.

Safety n Us Trust, in partnership with Axis Solutions, yesterday hosted a workshop on parenting in the 21st century, which sought to help parents nurture children in today’s society.

“Parenting requires a lot of problem-solving techniques to help our children in the digital age, which has taken over the society,” said Ms Mutsvedu.

She said parents must ensure that they guard their children against the harmful effects of social media.

Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of Children director Reverend Tylor Nyanheta said parenting in the 21st century requires vigilance.

“The 21st century child thinks they have all the skills because they see themselves as more competent than their parents and they feel like they know it all,” he said.

“Children are losing it before they reach their destination because of curiosity.”

Rev Nyanheta encouraged parents to take charge, monitor and control their children’s behaviour.

Africa University lecturer Dr Solomon Mangure said parents are custodians of the future of their children, who look up to them for guidance.

“Do not give your child toxic information; be there to create an identity for them,” he said.

Axis Solutions Group business analyst Mr Brain Chiware said social media was taking over 21st century parenting.

“We need to monitor all websites our children log into.

“Axis Solutions offers parents a platform that helps them monitor their child’s online activity.”