This archive report was first published on 22 June 2020.
As schools remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenyan parents are facing a new challenge: controlling the online content their children access.
According to ICT Cabinet Secretary Joe Mucheru, there has been a significant increase in the use of technology over the past three months, with most learning taking place online.
Speaking during a press briefing on Sunday, Mucheru noted that families are struggling to understand how to manage and control their children's use of mobile devices and laptops.
He directed the Communications Authority to work closely with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to ensure that children are protected online and parents learn how to filter websites from harmful content.
Within the next 7 days, the Communication Authority and ISPs are expected to provide a clear roadmap on how to train internet users to ensure a safe Kenyan cyberspace.
Published on June 22, 2020, a report by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) highlighted the risks of children accessing the internet at a younger age, spending longer online, and being at greater risk of cyberbullying.
Experts advise parents to pay attention to their children's internet habits and teach them how to surf the web carefully.
As parents, we have to constantly be vigilant, said Bruce Friend, the chief operating officer of Aurora Institute. If you notice any warning signs, such as excessive online time or unusual phone calls, go look at the history and see what's going on.
