Journalists and producers of children’s programmes in Tanzania have been called upon to play a stronger role in educating the public on child online safety, as concerns grow over increasing cases of digital abuse and the misuse of technology affecting children.
The call was made in Dar es Salaam during a two-day training for journalists and children’s content producers focused on child protection and online safety in the digital space.
The training aimed at strengthening the capacity of media practitioners to understand online risks facing children and to improve the quality of reporting and awareness creation on the issue.
Opening the training, Prudence Constantine from the Journalists Accreditation Board of Tanzania (Journalists Accreditation Board of Tanzania) said technological advancement has greatly improved access to information, education, entertainment and business opportunities.
However, she warned that the same progress has also exposed children to new dangers when using digital platforms without proper guidance and supervision.
She emphasized that journalists have a key responsibility to educate parents, guardians and the wider public on safe internet use and the risks children may face online.
She said the media remains a powerful tool in shaping public behaviour and promoting responsible use of technology in society.
Prudence cited a 2022 study on children aged 12 to 17 years, which found that 67 percent of children in Tanzania use the internet. The study showed that popular platforms among children include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok and Telegram.
While noting the benefits of these platforms, she said the study also revealed that some children have been exposed to online risks such as harassment, threats, fraud and pressure to share inappropriate content.
She called for urgent and coordinated efforts to strengthen protection systems and increase awareness among children, parents and other stakeholders.
She further noted that the government has continued to strengthen child protection systems through legal reforms, including improvements to the Child Act and the implementation of the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children, aimed at creating a safer environment for children both offline and online.
An official from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority), Octavian Peter, said the growing use of social media among children requires joint action from all stakeholders to ensure safe and responsible use of digital platforms.
He stressed that child online safety cannot be achieved by government alone, but requires collaboration between parents, guardians, schools, development partners and the media.
He said the media has a critical role in raising awareness and guiding the public on safe digital practices.
Octavian added that the regulator will continue to strengthen oversight of the communications sector while expanding public education on safe internet use, noting that cooperation among stakeholders is key to building a digital environment that protects children while allowing them to benefit from technology.
The training was chaired by Sabina Mpelo of the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation), who said journalists have a major responsibility in shaping a responsible generation that uses technology for positive development.
She said social media offers important opportunities for learning and information sharing, but warned that it can also expose users to harm if not used carefully.
She urged journalists to apply the skills gained from the training to produce content that promotes child protection and safe internet use.
Sabina further called on media practitioners to create awareness messages that help parents and guardians understand their role in monitoring and guiding children’s online activities.
She emphasized that the media should continue to champion child rights, safety and wellbeing in the digital era.
She concluded by urging participants to strengthen collaboration with institutions working on child protection to ensure that children across the country are better informed, protected and guided in their use of digital platforms.
