This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
Working from home has brought both benefits and challenges for parents, especially those with young children. On one hand, they are grateful to be at home with their kids. On the other, they wish they had more time to supervise what their children are doing.
For many parents, the dilemma becomes even more complex when they have to leave their children behind to earn a living. This is where technology throws another spanner in the works. Parents worry about leaving their children unsupervised with gadgets and electronics, especially those that invite the outside world into their homes.
From TVs to phones to laptops, children are often more skilled at using these devices than their parents. This can lead to unintended consequences, such as children accessing explicit content or chatting with strangers. Paedophiles and other predators are aware of these loopholes and design their strategies to exploit them.
So, what can parents do to protect their children? One way is to arm them with the correct information before the wrong information gets to them. Dr Ombeva Malande, a paediatrician, advises parents to take this approach.
As we reflect on what we can do to protect these innocent minds, it's clear that the task is daunting. However, by working together and being proactive, we can create a safer digital environment for our children.
— Christine Koech, Editor, Eve
