The Tanzanian government has called for nationwide efforts to raise awareness on protecting children from harmful online content, warning that digital exposure without proper guidance could distort children's values and derail their future.
Speaking at a high-level meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Online Child Safety in Dodoma on July 9, 2025, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Advocate Amon Mpanju, underscored the need to equip parents, guardians and teachers with digital literacy to protect children in today’s technology-driven world.
“We must educate the public about the rapid evolution of technology using appropriate platforms so they can play an informed role in safeguarding children,” said Mpanju.
“Those closest to children parents, caregivers, and teachers must be empowered with the knowledge and tools to guide them safely through the digital landscape.”he added
Mpanju cautioned that legal measures alone are not sufficient unless communities understand the risks and responsibilities involved in online child protection.
The call comes as Tanzania works to finalize its National Action Plan for Child-Specific SIM Card Usage, a framework that will guide regulatory bodies in monitoring children’s digital activities while ensuring their safety.
Sebastian Kitiku, Director of Child Development at the Ministry, said the action plan aims to enable responsible institutions to track children's online behaviour and respond swiftly when risks emerge.
“This plan will help us introduce safeguards around SIM card registration and online access for children, ensuring their use of digital platforms is safe and monitored,” Kitiku explained.
Adding to the discussion, Subisya Kabuje, Assistant Director from the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, confirmed the government’s commitment to integrating child online protection into local government systems.
“TAMISEMI will work closely with the Ministry to ensure that interventions to protect children online are well-coordinated at regional and local levels. Our goal is to ensure systems are interoperable and support effective monitoring and response,” she said.
As internet access grows across Tanzania, the government is under increasing pressure to strike a balance between digital inclusion and child safety.
The initiative is part of broader national efforts to build a digitally literate, morally grounded generation that can thrive in a connected world without falling prey to the darker sides of the internet.