By Tandzile Dlamini (Intern)
MBABANE – Eswatini has taken a step towards ensuring the safety of children in the digital space, as stakeholders gathered for the Child Online Protection Strategy Stakeholder Engagement Workshop held at Hilton Garden Inn.
The session brought together representatives from the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Education, the Royal Eswatini Police Service, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to contribute to the development of Eswatini’s first Child Online Protection Strategy.
Andreas Dlamini, Director of Communications in the Ministry of ICT, who represented the ministry, acknowledged the growing threat to children’s safety and the urgent need for action. “Indeed, the news we have heard over the past few weeks are disheartening, with reports of children who were missing and later found dead. That is a painful experience for any parent and for the nation. As a country, we must do everything within our power to protect them,” said Dlamini.
The workshop focused on child safety from a technological perspective, with stakeholders recognising that digital access among young people is increasing rapidly. “Technology is here with us to stay, and it is good. Children and young people are very good buddies; there is no stopping them,” Dlamini added.
Eswatini is experiencing rapid digital transformation, with several ICT-driven initiatives underway. These include the Government in Your Hand app, which delivers public services directly to citizens’ mobile devices, and a new e-Commerce Strategy aimed at promoting online trade. The Ministry of Education and Training is also leading efforts to integrate ICT in schools to enhance learning.
“As parents and a nation, we need to protect our heritage and provide guidance and safeguards to help our children navigate and experience the digital space in a positive way,” said Dlamini. “We must create a safe digital environment and culture.”
The workshop reaffirmed Eswatini’s commitment to building a secure and inclusive digital environment for children, laying a strong foundation for a safer online future. Stakeholders also highlighted the important role that parents and guardians play in protecting children online, emphasizing the need to be mindful of the type of content children are exposed to online.
