Wednesday February 06 2018/ 01:33PM/APO
Celebrating Safer
Internet Day (SID) under the connected theme of “Create, connect
and share respect: A better internet starts with you”, Facebook today
announced a number of partnerships across Africa with over 20 non-governmental
organisations and government agencies - with the aim of raising awareness of
emerging online issues and helping to explore ways to make the Internet safer
for all.
Launching a series of initiatives, including a
specially created family-friendly animation which directs viewers to
the Parent Portal in the Facebook Safety Centre, parents and
caregivers can access a variety of information and tips on how to discuss
issues of online safety with teens, developed in partnership with safety
experts from around the world.
Some of these resources include:
·
The Facebook Safety Centre (mobile friendly and available in over
50 languages, including step-by-step instructional videos)
·
The Parent Portal
·
Local resources for
parents, teachers and caregivers
· Bullying Prevention Hub
with advice for teens, parents and educators looking for support and help for
issues related to bullying
· Practical advice in Online
Wellbeing
·
Tools on how to control
user experience
Commenting on Facebook’s work as part of Safer Internet Day, Akua
Gyekye, Public Policy Manager Facebook, Africa said, “Every day, millions
of people across Africa come to Facebook to talk about their special moments
and to stay connected with the people they care about. We recognize the
important role we play in creating a better and safer online community for all,
with this year’s growing partnerships across the continent further
demonstrating our ongoing commitment to supporting organisations that raise
awareness on these important issues.”
This year in Africa, Facebook is working with partners such as: Rudi International, Internet
Societ-Uganda Chapter, Watoto Watch in Kenya, Malawi Internet Governance Forum,
Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre in Nigeria, South Africa’s Film and
Publication Board, JOX Africa Association in Senegal, Tech Women
Zimbabwe as well as the J Initiative in Ghana to address the
needs and ongoing education of various communities.
Watoto Watch Network: Kenya
“In connection with the theme ‘create, connect and share respect’, our focus
this year is on cyberbullying. We’re working with Facebook to share messages
that encourage positivity and respect on social media,” says Lillian Kariuki,
Executive Director at Watoto Watch Network. “On Safer Internet Day we will also
be sharing Facebook's newly translated (Swahili) online safety content directly
to the children and ICT partners in Kenya.”
JI
Initiative: Ghana
“Our
main priority at JI Initiative is to ensure digital citizens
especially children and young people are responsible in their use of the
space. Resources and materials provided by Facebook as a partner help to
empower our audience in Ghana on how to make the Internet better. We will
continue to work hard in educating people to become good digital citizens” says
Awo Aidam Amenyah, Executive Director at JI Initiative.
Rudi
International: Democratic Republic of Congo
“We are
spearheading the drive to promote a safe and better Internet environment in
DRC,” says Arsene Tungali, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Rudi
International. “Partnerships with organisations such as Facebook are key in our
efforts to harness the positive impact of technology for DRC’s young people.”
W.TEC:
Nigeria
“We
believe in the positive uses of technology and are happy to play a role in
helping to create a better, safer and more productive online community,” says
Adeyemi Odutola, Communications Officer at W.TEC. “Safer Internet Day is a
great way to create a global conversation about how we make the Internet work
better for everyone, especially girls and women.”
Film and
Publication Board: South Africa
“Parents,
educators, guardians and industry must all be part of the conversation about
keeping children online safe,” says Manala Botolo, Acting Manager
Communications and Public Education at the Film and Publication Board.
“Addressing challenges such as inappropriate content and cyberbullying demands
partnership and cooperation between everyone involved in creating and consuming
online content.”

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