BY NOKUPHILA NXUMALO (INTERN)
MBABANE-The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has encouraged parents and guardians to take an active role in guiding children towards safe and responsible internet use during the school holidays.
According to information sourced from their page, the police highlighted the importance of online safety as more children spend increased time on digital platforms for entertainment, communication and learning. The awareness forms part of ongoing efforts to protect young people and strengthen digital safety across the country.
REPS encouraged parents to set clear screen time limits and establish practical digital ground rules at home to promote balance and discipline. They also advised families to regularly review privacy settings and manage location sharing features to ensure that children’s personal information remains protected at all times.
The police further emphasised the importance of parents knowing who their children are communicating with online and maintaining open conversations about their digital experiences. Active parental involvement, they noted, helps build trust while enabling early identification of potential risks.
Parents were also cautioned against allowing children to meet individuals they encounter online, as such interactions may expose them to danger. Instead, families are encouraged to prioritise safety by guiding children on how to identify and avoid suspicious behaviour on digital platforms.
In addition, REPS recommended the use of parental control applications to help monitor online activity and limit exposure to harmful content. Ensuring that children engage only with age-appropriate games and content was also highlighted as an important step, as some online material may contain hidden risks.
The initiative reflects a strong commitment by law enforcement to promote prevention through education and community awareness, empowering families to create safer online environments for children.
As the school holidays continue, parents and guardians are encouraged to remain vigilant, proactive and supportive, ensuring that children use the internet as a positive tool for learning, growth and safe social interaction.
#childsafetyonline #NaweUliPhoyisa #SafeCommunities
(Courtesy Pic)
