Zimdailyjournal Editor
Government has approved Online Child Protection Policy, which provides a national framework to safeguard children in the digital environment.
The policy will also ensure that they benefit from opportunities offered by Information and Communication Technologies.
Speaking during Tuesday’s Post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said that Vice President Dr. Mohadi as Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Social Development, presented the policy.
“While the internet presents enormous opportunities for children, it has inadvertently increased children’s exposure to Online Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, cyberbullying, harmful content, grooming, sextortion, and privacy violations.
“Against this backdrop, the Policy will achieve, inter alia, the following: provide a single national framework for Government, private sector, academia, and communities at large, in keeping children safe online.
“It also ensures that all decisions and matters relating to children’s experience in the digital space are aligned with the Constitution of Zimbabwe and Children’s Act [ Chapter 5: 06]; and promotion of accountability in all sectors of society, conditions, and practical steps to mitigate online risks that children may face.
“The Online Child Protection Policy is anchored on 9 strategic focus areas, namely: Institutional Capacity; Legal and Regulatory Framework, Prevention, Response and Support Mechanism; Technical Control and Corporate Responsibility; Education; Public Awareness and Communication; Research and Development; Global Cooperation and Leadership; and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.
“Each of these Pillars is underpinned by clear policy actions to achieve the intended objectives. Going forward, Government will promulgate relevant legislation with enforceable sanctions in order to safeguard the children,” he said.
Information, Communication, and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, implored other sectors to come on board.
“Government exhorts communities, parents, and guardians to play a central role in monitoring the activities of children while they are online,” she said.
